In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Carolina Hurricanes are waiting on Mikko Rantanen‘s decision but are also trying to sign Taylor Hall while they wait. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have a tough decision ahead when it comes to Evander Kane. His no-trade clause expires tonight, and Kane’s stance on playing could open up some intriguing scenarios. Brandon Tanev is becoming a popular player at the deadline. Finally, an insider offers up the latest on Scott Laughton and Brayden Schenn.
Hurricanes and Taylor Hall Close
Andy Strickland reports that the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t just trying to get Mikko Rantanen signed to a new deal; they’re working on a Taylor Hall extension. Strickland writes, “It sounds like Carolina and Taylor Hall are working towards a deal. It isn’t quite imminent, but there’s a deal to be made, and it looks like it’ll get worked out.”
Also, regarding Rantanen, Chris Johnston reports that his camp is expected to let the Hurricanes know in the next few days where things stand on contract talks. “While several teams have inquired about a trade, Carolina hasn’t yet received or asked for a single offer,” he writes.
Evander Kane’s No-Trade Clause Expires Tonight
Elliotte Friedman noted in his latest 32 Thoughts column that Evander Kane’s full no-trade expires Friday night. It’s interesting timing, given the talk of his getting back on the ice and the uncertainty surrounding the trade deadline and LTIR. Is there any way this situation becomes a leverage play and one where each side exerts a little pressure? It seems odd to imagine that happens, but the environment feels ripe for controversy.
Friedman writes, “He and the Oilers are navigating his return, and whether or not he will play during the regular season. I think that’s very important to Kane — getting runway to prove he can be a factor in the playoffs. Remember, he missed the last five games of the Stanley Cup Final.” It sounds like Kane will push to return early.
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Of course, the Oilers would benefit greatly if Kane wasn’t medically cleared until the playoffs. It would give them an extra $5 million and change to spend at the deadline, which could be particularly useful given their losing streak.
In other words, unless the Oilers know for certain that Kane won’t be medically cleared in time, they can’t use his cap money at the deadline. They may want a commitment he’ll stay out, which he doesn’t sound willing to give. As a result, the Oilers might keep their powder dry to ensure there is room to activate him, even if it’s a close call.
Of course, it is possible the Oilers are eager to have Kane back early and view him as their own internal trade deadline addition.
Brandon Tanev Becoming a Popular Player This Deadline
Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic is reporting, “Brandon Tanev is generating interest from both Cup contenders and bubble teams. He has a modified no-trade; the word from teams around the league is that he would prefer going to an upper-echelon contender. Obviously, July 1 could be a different story as far as looking at potential…”
The Ottawa Senators might be a team to watch in connection to Tanev. They like his energy and sandpaper for their bottom six.
Latest on Schenn and Laughton
As per TSN’s Darren Dreger, “Action continues to swirl around [Scott] Laughton with several teams tracking. Meanwhile, the Blues position on [Brayden] Schenn hasn’t changed.” He adds, “He won’t be traded unless a team steps up and pushes Armstrong to go to Schenn and ask him to waive NTC. I believe a team will make it interesting.”