In today’s NHL rumors rundown, injuries are playing a big role for teams as the playoffs get closer. For example, the Edmonton Oilers have some of their most important players out. What is the status on some key names? Meanwhile, will the Colorado Avalanche be getting some important players back soon? Finally, is Peter Laviolette’s run with the New York Rangers done? He made comments this week that have insiders and fans thinking he’ll be gone at the end of the season.
Oilers Injury Updates
Jason Gregor writes that Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner was in full gear yesterday morning and was taking some shots from Mattias Ekholm and Evander Kane. Bob Stauffer added during the intermission of Monday’s game versus the Anaheim Ducks that Connor McDavid is expected back in the lineup as the Oilers head home. Ekholm is likely to return in the next few days, and Skinner should be good to go as well.
Related: NHL Rumors: Boeser, Canucks, Tavares, Maple Leafs, Capitals
Trent Frederic re-aggravated his ankle injury and did not play versus the Ducks, but his injury is not said to be long-term. Leon Draisaitl should also be back next week and Evander Kane is likely to be ready for Game 1, even though nothing is for sure when it comes to Kane.
Avalanche Dealing with Some Injuries
Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reported that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard left practice yesterday after about 25 minutes. It’s not said to be a long-term issue. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said that it’s possible that all their injured players play this week, which includes Martin Necas, Jonathan Drouin, and Josh Manson.
Gabriel Landeskog continues to work with the team in practices and is ramping up his participation in drills. He recently filled in on the top line for Nathan MacKinnon and looked good. There is real chatter now that he could be ready to play in the post-season for the Avalanche.
Doughty’s Injury More Precautionary Than Serious
Drew Doughty missed last night’s game after seemingly suffering an injury when the Kings played the Oilers. It’s not said to be a serious issue.
“No, I think everything is precautionary, what I could call it, but not a concern,” Kings coach Jim Hiller said Sunday. “I mean, we said he’ll be dealing with something the rest of the way, so he’s never going to be 100.” The Kings are just looking to make sure he’s as fresh as can be without making things worse.
Is Laviolette Done with the Rangers?
Another ugly loss for the New York Rangers led to some intriguing comments by head coach Peter Laviolette. When asked after the game what the message is like in the locker room, he responded, “I don’t have a message right now. I don’t go into the locker room after the game.” His response suggests he’s checked out and the team has given up.
The last coach who said words that suggested he was indifferent or didn’t want to lead a team that was playing so badly was John Tortorella. He was fired 24 hours after he said he had no interest in coaching the Flyers. Is Laviolette giving up on his team? Does he see the writing on the wall? More fascinating, would the Rangers actually consider brining in Tortorella to coach this team?
The Rangers are expected to make changes this summer, and that might start with the coach. Larry Brooks of the New York Post also believes that Chris Kreider will be leaving the Rangers via trade after 13 NHL seasons with the team.