Outlandish Rumor Update

According to Leavins he stated the Rangers would potentially part with a high pick in order to make the deal for Lias Andersson and Jesse Puljujarvi work. Now excuse me while I wonder what “high pick” means? Is he talking the Rangers 1st round pick that could be around 13? Or is he talking the other 1st round pick which comes from Carolina in the 20’s? Because I can’t tell you if he is referring to the Rangers own 1st round pick, this “rumor” is laughable. Jeff Gorton will not be trading that pick for Jesse Puljujarvi in order to move Lias Andersson who has garnered more notice around the league with his recent play in the SHL before the pause. Another two teams that hold him in high regard are the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers aren’t trying to get rid of Andersson, they are looking to trade him. Big Difference.

Last week in this space I related some chatter in New York involving a possible deal between the Rangers and Oilers involving Jesse Puljujarviand Lias Andersson. The Rangers would potentially part with a high pick in order to make it work. But I’m made to understand that the Rangers interest in Puljujarvi is considerably greater than the Oilers keenness on Andersson, who is slow of foot.

Edmonton Journal

Andersson – Puljujarvi

For posterity here is what I wrote on May 7th:

Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

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As the NHL continues to discuss holding the NHL draft in late June before a conclusion to the season, there’s been talk about how to handle trades. Reports indicate that the league will allow the exchange of draft picks, prospects, including those in Europe. Renewed speculation also has the Oilers looking to move disgruntled Finnish forward Jesse Puljujarvi at the draft and the Rangers will be looking to move Lias Andersson in the right deal as well.

Revisiting Andersson for Puljujarvi

I broke the rumor way back in early November that the Rangers and Oilers were talking a trade for Jesse Puljujarvi. With Oilers GM Ken Holland also wanting a first round pick it killed the deal. Edmonton selected the big right winger with the fourth overall selection in the 2016 draft but the 22 year old had trouble getting the ice time he felt he needed to develop. The Rangers and Puljujarvi have mutual interest in each other too. Elliotte Friedman reported that he wanted to play in New York back in December. If Holland is looking for that 1st round pick, the Rangers have 2 and could work out a trade this time around.

Where there’s “Smoke”

Lias Andersson hurt his value when he bolted the Rangers AHL affiliate earlier this season. However, sources in Edmonton relay the Oilers liked what they saw from Andersson with HV71 in the SHL. Now, as noted in the Edmonton Journal, there is some more “smoke” there.

An old associate of mine in New York tells me that there is renewed “smoke” these days over the possibility of a trade between the Rangers and Oilers involving Jesse Puljujarvi. It goes something like this: Edmonton is not opposed to the idea of receiving Blueshirts prospect Lias Andersson. But word in New York is that Ken Holland would also demand a 1^st Round pick from the Rangers (with another mid-level Oilers prospect included in a 2-for-2 deal). Any fire here? Unsure. I have not heard the same from anyone in Edmonton.

Edmonton Journal

This aligns with my article from May 7th where I wrote:

Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

Another Edmonton Centric site LoweTide discussed the rumor as well, even naming a potential prospect Edmonton can send the other way.

Lots of Lias Andersson-Jesse Puljujarvi talk right now, I wrote about the idea just before Christmas. Apparently Ken Holland wanted a first-round pick added to Andersson, with a mid-level prospect coming back from Edmonton. There’s speculation that William Lagesson is the other piece in the puzzle but that’s not an actual factual trade proposal. We don’t know where the pick will land, but let’s say it’s No. 21. The Rangers could use an NHL-ready left side blue (their right side is golden) and I’m a Lagesson fan. I think Dmitri Samorukov would have more potential value long term but Lagesson is a plug and play. 

LoweTide

So it appears this is gaining more traction and you can expect increased reporting on it soon. The “smoke” could very well be a five alarm fire whenever the NHL draft is conducted.

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Andersson for Puljujarvi

Lias Andersson hurt his value when he bolted the Rangers AHL affiliate earlier this season. However, sources told me Edmonton really liked what they saw from the Rangers former first round pick, 7th overall with HV71 in the SHL. This is sparking talk that at some point both the Rangers and Oilers will revisit this trade at the draft.

Edmonton is said to be looking for a 1st round pick for the disgruntled former #4 pick overall. Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

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Gunning for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

While there will be some big names on the free agent market this summer, the one possible top UFA, Taylor Hall would cost way too much in cap space to land. Add to the fact he’s better suited at LW where the Rangers already have Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, it makes less sense. However, there is a player who will be of major interest as he is entering the final season of his contract. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be a UFA in the summer of 2021 and headed to become the biggest rental at next season’s trade deadline. He is a player the Rangers should try and acquire as soon as the off-season for 2020 begins.

The 26 year old center was on pace for a career year. With 61 points in 65 games he was just 9 points shy of beating his previous career high of 69 points set last season. Nugent-Hopkins is entering his prime at the same time he’s going into the final year of a deal with a $6M AAV. If the Oilers don’t believe they can extend him, then they would be forced to trade him as rental come next trade deadline.

The End for Henrik Lundqvist with the Rangers

The phrase “the writing is on the wall” is so overused in sports because it fits so well in these situations. Henrik Lundqvist, the man who has backstopped this Rangers franchise with honor and grace for the last 15 seasons is now in essence a 3rd string goalie, who was serving as an honorary backup before Igor Shesterkin fractured a rib in a car accident.

Henrik Lundqvist opened up in the wake of the NHL Trade Deadline that he wants to speak with management about his future. He was honest with the Rangers about his desire to remain through the rebuild and they were happy to have him. John Davidson called Henrik Lundqvist a pro for how he is handling a very difficult situation. The team’s President should know better than anyone having been a goalie in the NHL what this feels like. Henrik realizes that this could be the end for him in NY. When the season concludes he wants to know what his role is and if it really is a fit. Of course as he told media, is it “something else”?

While this is what I like to call educated speculation, it is just that until it happens. One possible “something else” is a buyout, but that is the least likely outcome because it only saves them $3M on the cap and comes with a penalty of over 1M the year after. The scenario most expect would be waiving his NMC and getting traded to another team for one last shot as a starter and the playoffs. The Rangers would need to eat 50% of his 8.5M to make it happen and regain $4.25M to the cap. Now if the NHL reintroduces a compliance buyout, the Rangers would almost assuredly use it on Lundqvist and gain the full cap relief.

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Revisiting Andersson for Puljujarvi

I broke the rumor way back in early November that the Rangers and Oilers were talking a trade for Jesse Puljujarvi. Oilers GM Ken Holland also wanted a first round pick with Lias Andersson and that’s where the deal died.

The Edmonton Oilers selected the big right winger with the fourth overall selection in the 2016 draft. Loaded with talent up front, the 22 year old had trouble getting the ice time he needed to develop. Holland will look for trading partners at the draft with multiple first round picks and as we know the Rangers are one of those teams. The Rangers and Puljujarvi have mutual interest in each other too. Elliotte Friedman reported that he wanted to play in New York back in December.

Oilers Like What they Saw In Lias in Sweden

Lias Andersson hurt his value when he bolted the Rangers AHL affiliate earlier this season. However, sources told me Edmonton really liked what they saw from the Rangers former first round pick, 7th overall with HV71 in the SHL. This is sparking talk that at some point both the Rangers and Oilers will revisit this trade.

Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

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Revisiting Andersson for Puljujarvi

I broke the rumor way back in early November that the Rangers and Oilers were talking a trade for Jesse Puljujarvi. Oilers GM Ken Holland also wanted a first round pick with Lias Andersson and that’s where the deal died.

The Edmonton Oilers selected the big right winger with the fourth overall selection in the 2016 draft. Loaded with talent up front, the 22 year old had trouble getting the ice time he needed to develop. Holland will look for trading partners at the draft with multiple first round picks and as we know the Rangers are one of those teams. The Rangers and Puljujarvi have mutual interest in each other too. Elliotte Friedman reported that he wanted to play in New York back in December.

Oilers Like What they Saw In Lias in Sweden

Lias Andersson hurt his value when he bolted the Rangers AHL affiliate earlier this season. However, sources told me Edmonton really liked what they saw from the Rangers former first round pick, 7th overall with HV71 in the SHL. This is sparking talk that at some point both the Rangers and Oilers will revisit this trade.

Could the Rangers trade the Oilers Lias Andersson and their second 1st round pick (23rd overall) for Jesse Puljujarvi and another mid level prospect? Or will NJ swoop in and give up one of their 3 first round picks (6, 10, and 17) for the big scoring winger? We could find out soon if the NHL does go forward with a June draft.

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Penguins On the Hunt

Perennial contenders Pittsburgh are looking to get themselves loaded for the playoffs. According to Pittsburgh Hockey Now they are targeting teams out West to deal with. At forward they are interested in Minnesota forward, Jason Zucker. They are interested in the UFA rental department, specifically Alec Martinez (1 year left), and Brenden Dillon. Additionally on Sportsnet, the Penguins were linked to Tyler Toffoli.

Alec Martinez Likely Next to Go

If I had to pick the next player to be traded, it would be Alec Martinez. Sounds like there are a number of suitors and Chris Johnston said on Sportsnet last night Winnipeg are in the mix. You can include the Leafs and Panthers in that mix as well.

Not Available Habs

Earlier in the week rumors surfaced that Tomas Tatar was available in Montreal. Well pump the brakes on that one.

Oilers Getting Slick

The Oilers will be buyers at the deadline, but I wouldn’t expect a major move like say Chris Kreider, although if they give up Jesse Puljujarvi and their 1st, it could happen (remember Kreider’s has a list and will he ok the deal?). It’s more likely that Edmonton will target guys like Ilya Kovalchuk and maybe Kyle Palmieri for the playoffs.

Lias Andersson wants to be traded and per Elliotte Friedman, Jeff Gorton is in search of a “north/south” player. What you need to understand is that these two statements aren’t linked. The truth of the matter is that trading a disgruntled prospect who hasn’t been able to make a real impression in almost three years isn’t going to be easy.

Everyone is speculating now

Larry Brooks’ latest article absolutely lambastes Lias Andersson for deciding to no longer report to the Wolf Pack. It is hard to disagree on that aspect of this whole saga and even more difficult to dispute that this only makes it harder to trade him.

At the conclusion of his column, Brooks speculates about a trade scenario of Lias Andersson to Nashville for offensively talented Eeli Tolvanen. If anyone is paying attention, he is the prospect Nashville refused to part with in order to land Rick Nash a few seasons ago.

While Brooks wonders why Tolvanen is still stuck playing in Milwaukee, most around the Predators feel he is an NHL ready prospect. As to why he hasn’t made it to Nashville full time remains to be seen, but if Andersson couldn’t land Jesse Puljujarvi from Edmonton in a deal, I don’t believe he will for Tolvanen either.

More players like Kreider and Lemieux wanted!

The Rangers desire to land a forward more willing to go up and down the ice in a straight line, is about a need. The Rangers are loaded with guys who love to play all over the ice. A majority of the forwards love to zig and zag, make cross ice feeds, and do figure 8s until fans start pulling their hair out. Simply put, the Rangers don’t have enough Kreider and Lemieux type players who love to just charge to the net and plant their big butts in the goalie’s grill.

If I am being honest, Kreider also likes to play east-west hockey from time to time. Right now, only Brendan Lemieux and Gregg McKegg consistently play north-south games and the Rangers desperately need to diversify their offense.

The question is, who’s out there and available? Both Tolvanen and Puljujarvi (who is ineligible this season) aren’t really north-south players. Ironically it is Lias Andersson who fits that description more than the other guys just mentioned.

Good Luck Jeff!

Latest Rangers buzz.

Minor Moves

The Rangers AHL affiliate have recalled Ryan Gropp and terminated a contract.

Friedman on Puljujarvi wanting to come to NY and Georgiev

Elliotte Friedman who also connected Lias Andersson in trade talks and Puljujarvi’s desire to come to the Rangers, is noting interest in Georgiev.

There’s a lot of love for Alexandar Georgiev — and deservedly so, he looks terrific — who is three games from becoming waiver-eligible. The Rangers have Igor Shesterkin lighting up AHL Hartford in his first North American season, but 37-year-old future Hall-of-Famer Henrik Lundqvist is signed for only one more year. Is Georgiev/Shesterkin the future?

31 Thoughts

Jesse Puljujarvi is happy and producing playing in Finland with 24 points in 25 games. While in Edmonton he became disgruntled since being drafted and requested a trade this summer. Now we are just hours away from him playing out the year in Finland.

5PM Deadline

The RFA must sign a deal at the 5PM deadline today or he will be ineligible to play in the NHL this season. Reports out of Finland is that his intent is to play out the year there regardless of a deal. That will hamper the Oilers in getting what they are a looking for, which is way too much. It is believed that Ken Holland wants a forward and a high draft pick, likely a 1st rounder. Edmonton can still trade his rights past today with the trade deadline and draft as their next best opportunities. Come July 1st he still remains a RFA with Oilers holding his rights.

Teams Lurking

When it comes to the giant sized skilled forward, there is interest. As many as 5 teams have circled back in the last week to check in, including the Rangers. Reports indicate that the two sides were close to a deal before it fell apart about a week ago.

Now with the deadline looming, you can expect the Rangers and at least 2 other teams to see if Holland will stick to his statement that he doesn’t feel the need to do anything. The Rangers will see if the demand for a high draft pick is gone which is likely why the deal broke down. If the Rangers are able to execute a trade, you can be sure that they are aware they can reach a deal with Puljujarvi and have him signed and on the 3rd line next week. What remains to be seen is if Lias Andersson is indeed the trade chip I’ve heard awhile ago. By the way, he was sent down to Hartford around the same time the deal fell apart. Coincidence?

Latest buzz around the rumor mill.

Puljujarvi Almost A Ranger

Jess Puljujarvi’s link to the Rangers goes back to the preseason. As I stated on this site previously, there was some link involving Lias Andersson in a deal. However, Ken Holland was also looking for a first rounder and the deal certainly died there. The deadline to sign him is tomorrow, so I doubt a trade happens.

Taylor Hall Good as Gone

This is another one that has been brewing even longer. Taylor Hall wants to go to a Stanley Cup contender, he’s not interested in rebuilding anymore.