In today's NHL Rumors Roundup, another rumored candidate for Edmonton's GM position emerged. But is that candidate being promoted from another team? Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are looking to sign both Lucas Raymond and Mortis Seider. Finally, Matvey Mishukov showed up in Philadelphia today, and the Flyers shared his arrival on social media.
Is Jason Botterill a GM candidate for Edmonton?
The Edmonton Journal's David Staples, citing a conversation between Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli and Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, noted that the Edmonton Oilers may have asked the Seattle Kraken for permission to speak with Jason Botterill about the team's vacant general manager position. If Ron Francis is promoted within the management team, Botterill could be a candidate for the Kraken general manager position.
Seravalli said Seattle has yet to sort out its situation but wouldn't be surprised if the Oilers showed interest in Botterill. “If you're talking about outside candidates and asking permission, my guess is Jason Botterill would be high on the Oilers' list,” he said.
Staples isn't a huge fan, as Botterill had no playoff success with Buffalo, but he acknowledges the connection makes sense. He writes:
It's clear that Edmonton's management team will be a team effort with Jackson at the forefront. Botterill has been a key part of Pittsburgh's successful management team for many years. He's very talented. It would be no surprise if he were to take the Edmonton job.
Source – “Is former Pittsburgh Stanley Cup winning manager top of Edmonton Oilers list?” – David Staples – Edmonton Journal – July 22, 2024
Botterill, 49, was born in Edmonton and managed the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL team from 2010-17 and was general manager of the Buffalo Sabres from 2017-2020.
Are the Red Wings going to acquire two key players?
Left winger Lucas Raymond and right-handed defenseman Moritz Seider are the top RFAs at their positions but still need new contracts that could eat up nearly all of the Red Wings' remaining $17.65 million budget. Detroit is in negotiations and appears close to getting a deal done.
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In a Tuesday morning mailbag, The Athletic's Max Bultman noted that the significance of the contracts and a lack of comparables between similar players could be holding things back. Similar players have signed deals within the flat cap, but with the cap rising, it's tough to be the first to judge what's fair in that environment. Evolving Hockey projects both players' eight-year deals in the $8 million range.
Bultmann writes:
Detroit will likely work out a deal with both players, but the big question at this stage is whether it will bridge the gap between Seider and Raymond. I wouldn't recommend going that route with Raymond, as his performance will likely soar again, but it would create less long-term speculation for all parties. A long-term deal would probably be preferred, but it may come down to which side is willing to make a few concessions.
Source – “When will the Red Wings sign Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond? Mailbag, Part 1” – Max Bultmann – The Athletic – July 23, 2024
Matvey Mishukov arrives in Philadelphia
“Hey guys, we got him,” the Flyers' social media accounts wrote while sharing the news that prospect Matvey Mishukov had arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Mishukov was greeted at the airport by general manager Danny Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jones. Mishukov excited fans on Monday by posting a photo of himself on a plane, which sparked speculation that he was on his way to Philadelphia, which was true – he was on his way to the United States.
