The Oilers are among the teams that have kicked the tires on Penguins goalie Matt Murray, reports Postmedia’s Jim Matheson. They have a vacancy to fill between the pipes with Mike Smith slated to become an unrestricted free agent. However, with the limited cap space they have and several RFAs in need of new deals including winger Andreas Athanasiou and defensemen Matt Benning and Ethan Bear, they probably won’t be able to afford the salary that Murray, an RFA himself, will likely command in the coming months. Instead, they will probably have to shop at the cheaper end of the goalie market to find Mikko Koskinen’s partner for next season.
More from the Pacific Division:
- Tyler Toffoli’s stint with the Canucks was limited between the pandemic and injuries but he was productive when he played, notching 14 points in 17 games between the regular season and the playoffs. His agent Pat Brisson told TSN 1040’s Rick Dhaliwal (Twitter link) that the winger enjoyed his time with Vancouver and that he’s open to discussing a new contract with GM Jim Benning at the appropriate time. Toffoli’s cap hit this season was $4.6MM and in a light free agent market, he should be able to get a bit more than that on his next deal.
- The Coyotes have had discussions with long-time broadcaster Pierre McGuire about their GM vacancy, reports Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston. McGuire’s name has come up periodically in the past as a GM candidate although none have offered him the job. He last worked in the NHL in 1996 as an assistant coach in Ottawa while he also was briefly Hartford’s head coach in the early 1990s as well as their assistant GM. In the meantime, Johnston notes that interim GM Steve Sullivan is fielding trade calls so it appears that he has the authority to make any moves deemed necessary while Arizona’s search continues.
If it’s two things about Pierre he will be able to pronounce every name properly and he will know the very first rink each player began skating in
I actually think the Oilers are a better fit for Fleury than Murray, but either way…they are delusional and wasting the primes of their Art Ross Trophy winning franchise centers with garbage goaltending.
Not sure if this works for the Pens cap, but Athanisiou for Murray? Athanisiou – McCann – Hornqvist is a nice 3rd line.
They can have Lundqvist
Toffoli was solid but the Canucks gave up a lot to have him as a rental.
please give mcguire the job. tired of him on TV.
Worst broadcaster in sports. Has the most amazing grasp of the obvious.
Canucks fans – don’t get too upset – but I think it would be better to NOT resign Markstrom, and instead keep Toffoli and Tanev (if even that could work). I know Marky was the best player, but finally there are two scoring lines on this team with a decent 3rd and 4th line. Losing Toffoli puts a plug on Horvats or Petterson’s wing (whichever isn’t Boeser)
Agreed. Markstrom is going to cost a ton. Go with the younger goalies or a reasonably priced veteran to take part of the load with Demko. Lots of young guns needing new contracts in the next couple years.
The Oilers don’t need to resign Athanasiou.
After giving up 2 2nds for him and then to lose in the play in round, yes they do.