Oilers not moving laterally, Stamkos destination and more NHL Rumors – The Hockey Writer – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL Rumor Digest, we start with the Edmonton Oilers and how they won’t be looking for a lateral move, but a solid upgrade. Next, we look at the Maple Leafs and how they choose to sit still. We then head to Nashville, where the Predators will make a decision on Steven Stamkos and whether to trade him. Finally, we end with the Vancouver Canucks, who reportedly don’t have anything imminent on the trade front.

Oilers not looking for lateral movement

There’s been a lot of talk about the Oilers and their goaltenders. It seemed almost certain they would be looking to improve their goaltending, but Elliotte Friedman reports they won’t be looking for lateral moves and won’t make a deal unless it’s an upgrade.

The Oilers have been linked to names like Tristan Jarry, Jordan Binnington, Laurent Brossoit and more. Are any of these goalies a true upgrade over Stuart Skinner?

The Oilers are not only looking for a goaltender who has proven to be a winner, but one who is consistent and healthy. Spending big to bring in an underperforming goaltender could be worse than not bringing in anyone at all.

RELATED: NHL Rumors: Matheson discount, Berube’s bold move and a return for the Rangers?

General manager Stan Bowman is taking his time with this, and with the holidays, the Olympics and the trade deadline approaching, there may not be much of a good chance for significant improvement.

Maple Leafs stick with Berube/Treliving

Despite the Maple Leafs’ significant struggles this season, Friedman reported on Saturday Headline that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has no plans to change coaches or general managers.

Terry Living was criticized for his offseason decisions and not finding a suitable replacement for Mitch Marner on the roster. Berube hasn’t been able to get this team to play his system the way he did last year, and now that they’re not getting results, the flaws are under the microscope.

Assuming that Friedman’s reports are entirely valid (as they often are), this would alleviate some of the tensions that may be building. Whether that tension is within the organization, the fan base or anyone else, it answers one of the Maple Leafs’ biggest questions of the season.

Stamkos’ destination?

The Predators are losing a lot of games, their roster is old, and they can afford to sell some assets. While Stamkos has a big contract and hasn’t been the most productive player thus far, he still has value and would certainly benefit from a change of scenery.

Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet lists the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings as the former 60-goal scorer’s preferred teams.

Although the 60-goal season has passed, Stamkos still has excellent shooting talent. Stamkos has struggled since joining the Predators. There’s a question of whether it’s a regression or just out of place. Most likely both, but which factor played a greater role in his struggles?

All five of these teams could certainly benefit from having a player like Stamkos in their lineup, but acquisition cost is something these teams need to address.

Nothing imminent on Canucks’ trade front for Sherwood

Also in Saturday’s headlines, Friedman reported that the Canucks will be patient with players they want to move, especially Kiefer Sherwood.

“One thing that comes to mind is that maybe we might see something happen with Kiefer Sherwood soon because he’s an unrestricted free agent… He’s a very good player. He’s making a salary that everyone can afford and I think there’s going to be a lot of interest.

——Elliot Friedman

Friedman continued, “I was told today that it doesn’t look like it’s going to be quick anytime soon. There’s nothing imminent in Vancouver…but I think there are some teams that are very interested. Teams like Minnesota, Boston, probably Philadelphia.”

The best predictor of the future is the past. The Canucks are notorious for making quick trades early in the season. Whether or not the Canucks change their approach to trades, it will be an interesting story.