BHN Puck Links: Can The Bruins Trade For Ekman-Larsson?

Given the fact that the Arizona Coyotes need a first round pick back in any trade for Oliver Ekman-Larsson, will the Boston Bruins be able to acquire the star defenseman? Don’t expect the New York Islanders to trade goalie Semyon Varlamov for salary cap space just yet and the Florida Panthers are ready to wheel and deal again. That and more in your latest Boston Hockey Now Puck Links:

Can Bruins Trade For Ekman-Larsson?

Sportsnet NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed once again that Coyotes defenseman and captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson will only approve a trade to the Boston Bruins or Arizona Coyotes. According to Friedman, new Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong asked Ekman-Larsson to expand his no-movement clause list to more teams but the 29-year-old rearguard said no. Friedman reported that the Coyotes likely want a first and second round pick as well as a prospect. 

While he believes Armstrong is more impressed with the Bruins’ stable of prospects, he thinks the Canucks are more inclined to meet Armstrong’s trade demands. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Bruins currently don’t have a first round pick for the 2020 NHL Draft that begins on Tuesday night. Will the Bruins trade Jake DeBrusk or Tuukka Rask in an effort to gain that first round pick.

Hall Willing To Do One-Year Deal

Friedman and Chris Johnston also reported that top UFA target Taylor Hall is willing to do a one-year or two-year contract if and when he hits unrestricted free agency. Given the uncertain financial climate of the NHL right now due to the Coronavirus, Hall seems willing to bet on himself again and then strike paydirt when finances improve for NHL teams. The Bruins will surely be in on Hall if that’s the case and Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now believes the Colorado Avalanche should too.

Teams Locking Up Their Own

While the Bruins prepare to lose their highest scoring defenseman and powerplay quarterback in Torey Krug, teams around the NHL are giving extensions to potential unrestricted and restricted free agents. On Sunday, the defending Western Conference Champions, the Dallas Stars locked up potential UFA defenseman Andrej Sekera to a two-year deal worth $3 million and that carries a $1.5 salary cap hit. Earlier in the week, Stars GM Jim Nill made it clear to former Bruins’ backup goalie and playoff hero Anton Khudobin that the team wants him back. The 34-year-old is set to become a UFA on Friday when free agency begins.

Islanders Trying To Extend Brassard

As Christian Arnold of NYI Hockey Now reported, the New York Islanders are trying hard to extend UFA-to-be forward Derick Brassard. Arnold also doesn’t believe the rumors that the Isles will be moving goalie Semyon Varlamov out for cap space. 

Who Will The Panthers Trade?

The Panthers are looking to unload cap space and many believe the main reason to be that they want to sign Krug when he hits the open market on Friday. George Richards of Florida Hockey Now takes a look at what new GM Bill Zito may have to offer on the trade market. 

Karlsson Primed For Comeback?

Did you forget that one-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson was on the San Jose Sharks? Sharks GM Doug Wilson clearly hasn’t and he believes that Karlsson is set for a big comeback after an injury-riddled first two seasons in San Jose. Sheng Peng has more.  

Golden Knights Reveal Third Jersey

In typical Vegas Golden Knights and Las Vegas fashion, the Knights revealed their new third jerseys. Tom Callahan of Vegas Hockey Now has more but here’s the bizarro tweet featuring Wayne Newton and ‘Lil John’:

YOU'RE GONNA WANT TO WATCH THIS ONE 🤩 #VegasGoesGold pic.twitter.com/hxF8feVIY2

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 2, 2020