In today’s (May 11) Canadian Rumours roundup, I’m looking at three quick Canadian storylines to keep an eye on: Shane Doan is on the move and could land in a Pacific front office or with the Flyers. The Canadiens’ Xhekaj just ate a max fine after a late-game punch. And, the Oilers are quietly hoping to bring back depth pieces like Dickinson, Murphy and Ingram to shore up the support around McDavid and Draisaitl.
Doan’s Next Gig? Front-Office Shuffle Could Be Calling
Shane Doan has split from his previous role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but this isn’t the end for him. With a bunch of front offices in flux, he’s basically a managerial free agent with options. Seattle and Vancouver both have holes in their setups and could use someone with his mix of playing cred and smarts, especially if they want a voice who knows the Pacific Division inside and out.
Don’t forget the Flyers’ connection either. Doan spent five seasons with Daniel Brière, who’s now running the Flyers. Philly’s riding a playoff wave and could tap Doan for his experience and locker-room savvy as they try to keep the momentum going. Bottom line: expect his name to pop up in a few GM/assistant roles pretty quickly.
Xhekaj Fined After Late-Game Punch on Carrick
Arber Xhekaj got hit in the wallet — a $3,385.42 fine, max under the CBA — after punching Sam Carrick during a scrum at the end of the game. Guys were wrestling, tempers flared, and Xhekaj landed a shot that knocked the veteran to the ice. Brutal timing since it was Carrick’s first game back from an arm injury.
This isn’t out of character for Xhekaj. The guy’s one of Montreal’s biggest hitters, leading the team with 178 hits in 65 games. Physical players walk a fine line between enforcing and crossing it, and this one crossed it just enough to draw the league’s fine hammer.
Word is that Edmonton is eyeing a quiet little reunion this summer. These are not flashy trades, but bringing back the guys who actually make the stars work. Reports say the Oilers will kick the tires on re-signing Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Connor Ingram. None of them light up the scoreboard, but Dickinson’s done the ugly, responsible third-line center stuff and chipped in some playoff goals. Murphy ate defensive minutes and helped steady the defence. And Ingram gave the Oilers legit coverage between the pipes when things got shaky.
It smells like a “keep the band together” vibe more than a splashy overhaul. That makes sense after a first-round exit. The big question is money: Dickinson’s salary will have to drop if he stays, Murphy’s role might be cheaper but still valuable, and Ingram can’t be the long-term answer with Tristan Jarry’s tough situation looming. If Edmonton locks a few of these depth pieces on friendlier deals, they’ll head into next year with a crisper support crew for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And that might be the quiet fix that actually matters.
Related: Canadian Daily Rumours: Canaadiens, Senators, Jets & Subban
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