As a former first-round pick (8th overall), Philip Broberg was always an interesting prospect in Edmonton.
The problem: he never made his mark in the NHL. The other problem: he wants to play in the big league.
Dreger on Philip Broberg (Insider Trading): “He wants to be back in the NHL, that’s not likely in Edmonton unless there is an injury, so trade seems the most likely. Here’s an interesting twist, maybe it’s not Broberg for an asset coming back to the Oilers…”
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 19, 2023
It’s not working out for the 22-year-old in Edmonton, and the team could part with him. But instead of a team giving a pick or another prospect in return for his services, GM Ken Holland could simply give Broberg to a team that takes Jack Campbell’s contract.
That’s what Darren Dreger told Insider Trading.
Cont’d: “…maybe Broberg becomes the sweetner so that they can also move Jack Campbell’s contract to free up a little bit of cap space”
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 19, 2023
Broberg is a Swedish defenseman and in 79 NHL games, he has 11 points, including just two goals. But as I mentioned, behind Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and company, he never quite fit in.
As for Campbell, a few weeks ago he was sent down to the minors. The goal has always been to bring him up so he could be the solution.
But right now, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard are playing good hockey, and Campbell’s contract (five million annually for four years) seems too big for him to be recalled. The goalie also has a no-trade clause, which would complicate a transaction. One thing is certain: the Oilers seem determined to get rid of him, obviously.
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A Nikita Kucherov situation in New Jersey?
In the same Insider Trading segment, Pierre LeBrun also revealed an interesting piece of information.
Dougie Hamilton, who hasn’t played since November 28, could miss the rest of the season. He could, however, return in time for the playoffs, LeBrun understands.
LeBrun on Dougie Hamilton (Insider Trading): “They don’t have a firm timeline but my understanding is he’s probably out until the playoffs, until perhaps late April, early May. The flip side to that, they have a $9M cap hit to play with”
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 19, 2023
Obviously, being deprived of its best defenseman is a heavy loss for New Jersey, but on the bright side (if there is one): Hamilton earns $9 million per season.
Team GM Tom Fitzgerald could use this money to improve his club for the playoffs (although they’re not a given yet).
The New York team is very active in adding a goaltender and a defenseman on the transaction market, and transferring Hamilton’s nine million dollars to the LTIR could benefit them.
The Devils have already shown interest in Ducks goalie John Gibson and several defensemen, including Chris Tanev.
It’ll be something to keep an eye on, but New Jersey could find itself a few million over the salary cap come April. #Kucherov2.0
Lindy Ruff’s team is currently fourth in the Eastern Association draft, one point away from the spring tournament.
Roundup
– What do you think?
McDavid has been on fire since the arrival of Kris Knoblauch.
A 140-point season is in his sights.
If that’s the case, who’s going to be able to accost him? I don’t think anyone. #NHL #Oilers https://t.co/sRN1ykTEzw– Raphaël Doucet (@raphdoucet) December 19, 2023
– That’s right.
“I’m not looking for an excuse. It’s up to me to block pucks” – Marc-André Fleury talks about his difficult season with the Wildhttps://t.co/EydkX6oPOj
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 20, 2023
– Congratulations to the
Congratulations to the Magog Cantonniers on their victory in the final of the Challenge M18AAA! 👏 pic.twitter.com/YbDG3ZMLox
– Hockey 360 (@hockey360) December 20, 2023