NHL Rumours Rundown (Feb. 7): Canadian Teams in the Spotlight
If you follow the Canadian clubs the way I do, these mid-season stretches always feel a little tense. The temperature rises, everyone gets a bit jumpy, and suddenly every rumour looks like it might turn into something real. This week has been no different. A few Canadian teams are right in the thick of it, and the chatter around them is getting louder by the day.
Edmonton Oilers: Head Coach’s Bench Getting Warm.
Let’s start in Edmonton, because that fan base could probably use a long walk and a deep breath after some recent Oilers’ losses. Things haven’t gone the way they hoped, and whenever that happens in a Canadian market, the coach is the first name dragged into the spotlight. Kris Knoblauch’s seat isn’t exactly on fire, but it’s warm enough that you wouldn’t want to sit there in shorts.
And, as always, once the smoke starts, people start naming replacements. Peter DeBoer’s name came up again, which seems to be an annual tradition in this country. There’s also been talk about Paul Coffey stepping back behind the bench in some fashion, mostly to help stabilize the defence. Whether any of this is serious or just fans trying to find a lifeline is anyone’s guess.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Same Target, Different Angle.
Funny thing is, Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Konecny’s name has floated through Toronto Maple Leafs circles. No one has said they’re deep in talks, but when the insiders start connecting dots, you know there’s at least a flicker of interest. Toronto’s looking for more bite up front, and Konecny brings exactly that.
There were also some light musings about Artemi Panarin, but he went to the Los Angeles Kings in a big move. I wouldn’t put money on anything huge happening with the Maple Leafs, but it shows you where the Toronto conversation is: people want bold moves, not small patches.
The Big Picture for Canadian Teams.
Canadian teams always hit this point in the season where things feel like they could break one way or the other. Edmonton’s wobbling, Toronto’s poking around for help, and everyone’s bracing for a few surprises. Trade season usually delivers at least one twist no one saw coming, so the next stretch should be fun to watch.