NHL Rumors: Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, More

Dallas Stars in the Rental Market
Hitchcock Might Not Finish the Season as Oilers Coach
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In today’s rumor rundown, there is news the Dallas Stars might be in the market for a rental player who can score and they may be going after a big name. There is also an update on the contract talks between the Ottawa Senators and Mark Stone. Finally, would the Edmonton Oilers consider replacing Ken Hitchcock at this point in the season?

Dallas Stars in the Rental Market

Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com writes that the Dallas Stars appear to be in the market for a rental scorer. “We’re very open to anything,” general manager Jim Nill said. He added, “We’re very open to making a hockey trade if it’s going to make us better. If we stay in the hunt the way we are, we’re open to adding to our team.”

General manager Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars says the team might add at the deadline. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Nill adds that he’s not in a rush to make that addition today and will wait until closer to the Feb. 25 date as teams figure out where they stand in a very tight wild-card race in Western Conference. Waiting will also better establish the price their team will have to pay for whatever rental player they go after.

One of the players the Stars might be rumored to be watching is Artemi Panarin. Elliotte Frieman said and then restated it on Saturday Headlines segment, the Stars could end up being a player for Panarin.

Hitchcock Might Not Finish the Season as Oilers Coach

During that same segment, Kypreos said that Edmonton Oilers coach Ken Hitchcock’s style of coaching may be wearing thin on their younger players and he’s been asked to be more positive by the organization.

Drake Caggiula, Mikko Koskinen, Cooper Marody, Ken Hitchcock — Edmonton Oilers head coach Ken Hitchcock has been asked to tone it down. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Jeff Chiu)

Saying that Hitch has certainly made a lot of noise in terms of how he’s challenged his players, the Oilers have addressed the matter internally and if he doesn’t tone it down, the organization might actually turn the team over to assistant coach Glen Guletzan. Such a move would be another huge black mark on the Oilers franchise if they can’t even keep a new coach for more than 40 games.

Kypreos also added that the Oilers aren’t likely to trade forward Jesse Puljujarvi at this point since his value is at an all-time low. Friedman; however, said that Puljujarvi may be hoping he’s moved. “So Edmonton has a bridge they’ll have to build.”