In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the New York Rangers are facing a possible issue with defenseman Adam Fox. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are aggressively shopping for a top-six center and have reportedly eyed two big names. Finally, the Boston Bruins are eyeing help on the wing from Vancouver, and the Edmonton Oilers could face a snag in their pursuit of a veteran defenseman.
This is the start of a busy week in the NHL, when several rumors and ideas will be floated. How many of them have legs will be intriguing to see.
Rangers Facing Big Questions With Adam Fox
Fox raised eyebrows after returning from injury when he declined to firmly commit to his long-term future in New York. The 28-year-old defenseman suggested those conversations are best left for the offseason, but reports indicate tensions have been building behind the scenes.
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According to Rangers insider Vince Mercogliano, there have already been multiple meetings between Fox and GM Chris Drury. Fox is said to be watching closely to see how management handles the coming months before deciding where things stand. He wants proof that the organization has a clear path forward.
Now in year four of his seven-year extension, inconsistent team play, injuries, and organizational uncertainty have created doubt that he’s best suited to stay with the team. However, he’s always wanted to be a Ranger, so the issue is far deeper than just asset management.
Red Wings Linked to Thomas and Trocheck
The Red Wings are firmly in the playoff mix, and GM Steve Yzerman appears ready to explore a major addition down the middle. Elliotte Friedman was on NHL on TNT and said that Detroit has been connected to both Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and Vincent Trocheck of the Rangers.
Thomas, 26, is viewed as one of the top options available at this season’s deadline. However, it’s not entirely clear that the Blues are sold on moving him. If they do, he could be Detroit’s second line for years. He owns a full no-trade clause, but there’s speculation the Blues could listen if the right offer emerges. Utah and Detroit are believed to be among the interested teams.
Trocheck, meanwhile, has reportedly expressed a desire to remain in the Eastern Conference. Detroit nearly signed him previously, and they continue to keep him on their radar. With both players likely commanding significant returns, Yzerman may be leveraging interest in each to drive down the asking price.
Interestingly, Friedman also noted on TNT that the Minnesota Wild already have a standing offer to the Rangers for Trocheck. They’re waiting to see if New York takes them up on it.
Bruins Tracking Boeser and Garland
The Boston Bruins are reportedly monitoring two Vancouver wingers: Brock Boeser and Conor Garland. As Vancouver navigates their rebuild, both players are believed to be available.
Garland may be the easier acquisition. The 29-year-old plays with energy and edge, produces secondary scoring, and carries no trade protection. His style could fit seamlessly into Boston’s playoff-style lineup.
Boeser is the bigger swing. A natural goal scorer with a heavy shot, he holds a full no-move clause and is enduring a down year, potentially lowering his trade value. Boston has tracked him for years and previously showed interest in free agency.
The Oilers continue to search for defensive help and have been linked to Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs. While trade cost is one hurdle, player approval may be the bigger issue.
“I think the other guy they’ve looked at is Oliver Ekman-Larsson from Toronto. He’s a lefty, but he can play the right side. I think, though, Ekman-Larsson has control over a trade to Edmonton, so they would have to convince him to waive it. But I think defensemen like that are the kinds of players that Edmonton is looking for.”
The 34-year-old has 35 points in 60 games this season and can comfortably play either side of the blue line. On paper, joining a contender led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl makes sense. All that said, the Oilers still have some salary cap work to do if Ekman-Larsson is on board.
