Lyle Richardson gathers some of the latest discussion regarding the Ottawa Senators' new starting netminder, the Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers and trade possibilities in Alberta.
Today's NHL rumor roundup features discussions about what's ahead for notable players and four Canadian teams.
Before that, we offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, current and former teammates and all those who knew Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically died Thursday night.
NHL podcaster Shawn Simpson reported just over a week ago that the 31-year-old goaltender purchased a home in the Ottawa area, suggesting a contract extension could be in the offering. However, The Hockey News' Steve Warne cautioned against reading too much into the purchase, citing Ottawa's thin rental market.
Simpson also believes Ullmark could reach a long-term agreement with the Senators. He speculates the average annual value could be similar to that of Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros ($7.74 million) but for two years less than Saros' eight-year extension.
The Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers has been hot in the rumor mill as of late. The 28-year-old Danish winger was the subject of trade chatter earlier in the off-season. However, the speculation died away as the summer progressed.
Mike McIntyre of The Winnipeg Free Press pointed out that Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and new head coach Scott Arniel have sung Ehlers' praises in recent weeks. He's not ruling out the possibility of a contract extension for the long-time Jets winger.
Shifting further west, earlier this week, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli speculating the Oilers could try to bolster their blueline with a trade that would shake things up more than adding a defenseman on a professional tryout offer.
Seravalli claims Oilers GM Stan Bowman and his staff are considering all their options. He didn't indicate which blueliners they might consider trade targets. If a trade takes place, Seravalli anticipates it could happen before training camp starts up in September.
On the other end of the Battle of Alberta, the Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson reports Flames GM Craig Conroy informed cap-strapped teams that he's willing to take a contract off their hands, provided a sweetener like a draft pick or prospect is included in the deal. The Flames have nearly $20 million in cap space this season.
No one's taken Conroy up on his offer yet, but there's plenty of time before the regular season opens in October. Clubs looking to clear cap space or make room for a promising youngster could come calling during pre-season.
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