In six days, the NHL’s member clubs will virtually hit the draft floor for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. With a flat cap and tons of uncertainty, this offseason could be one of the most memorable in recent history. The Edmonton Oilers, if rumors are to indicate the future, could be in the middle of all of it.<\/p>\n
Here are the latest rumors less than a week out from the draft.<\/p>\n
Puljujarvi Return Imminent?:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Oilers and Jesse Puljujarvi continue to inch closer to a contract. Last week, the smoke surrounding a Puljujarvi return grew thicker<\/a> when team insider Bob Stauffer tweeted the following.<\/p>\n Distinct possibility that we see Jesse Puljujarvi return to @EdmontonOilers<\/a> on a short term deal. \u2014 Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) September 24, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n On Wednesday, TSN insider Frank Seravalli had an update on the contract negotiations between the sides.<\/p>\n Sounds like #Oilers<\/a> have made progress in talks to bring Jesse Puljujarvi back into the fold. Discussion still mostly centered on the hockey ‘fit’ part of it, but my guess if\/when he returns is that it’s eventually on a one-year deal in the $1.2-$1.5 million range.<\/p>\n \u2014 Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 30, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n A Puljujarvi return seems closer than ever at this point. The expectation is that Puljujarvi would play on the third-line with a veteran center that will be acquired at some point next week. Erik Haula is a name that has been connected to the Oilers and makes a lot of sense. Haula is a free agent.<\/p>\n A Puljujarvi return could also lead to a potential Alex Chiasson trade. The Oilers and Bruins have discussed a potential deal that could send Chiasson out east for winger Anders Bjork. Edmonton’s interest in Bjork is nothing new.<\/p>\n Ryan Nugent-Hopkins In Play?:<\/strong><\/p>\n Could the Oilers actually move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? Something unthinkable a week ago is picking up steam in the rumor mill. The Fourth Period wrote the following today. (Full article here<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Oilers have multiple balls in the air. As they continue to kick the tires on Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Darcy Kuemper in Arizona, explore the goalie markets (trade and UFA) and weight their options up front, there is talk GM Ken Holland would consider moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.<\/em><\/p>\n TFP also reports that the Oilers shopping list includes “two top-six forwards, a legit third-line center, a top-pair defenseman, a stay-at-home rearguard and a goaltender.”<\/p>\n The publication added that GM Ken Holland hopes to re-sign pending UFA F Tyler Ennis, who is expected to be ready for the start of the new season.<\/p>\n Ekman-Larsson Pursuit Continues:<\/strong><\/p>\n There are no secrets when it comes to the Oilers and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The club is hot after the defenseman, and could be fighting the Boston Bruins for his services. Ekman-Larsson, as mentioned in this space before, does have a no-trade clause but would waive it to play for the Oilers.<\/p>\n The price is the real question here. The 14th overall pick, top-prospect Evan Bouchard and veteran Kris Russell was a rumored price earlier on Wednesday. Sources indicate the actual price for Ekman-Larsson is expected to be lower than that.<\/p>\n It’s unlikely the Oilers part with both the 14th overall pick and Bouchard in any trade.<\/p>\n\n
\nNew GM\/HC since Puljujarvi was last in Edm.
\nPuljujarvi\u2019s agency has merged with Connor McDavid\u2019s agency.
\nOilers would have 6 RW\u2019s.
\nCould result in a RW belng moved for a LW.<\/p>\n\n