Edmonton Oilers fourth overall pick RW Jesse Puljujärvi is not taking part in the on-ice portion of the team’s rookie camp in Jasper, AB, after undergoing knee surgery following the U-18 World Championships. Puljujärvi expects to be “good to go” in a month, meaning he’ll be ready for training camp in September.
More from the Pacific Division:
- The Anaheim Ducks did not take part in the madness that was the opening of free agency, but still have some serious work to do this summer. Number one defenceman Hampus Lindholm and third line center Rickard Rakell still need to be signed. Lindholm will be looking for a long-term deal over a more team-friendly bridge contract, but the Ducks will want to get him under contract before another team decides to offer-sheet him. While there hasn’t been an offer sheet since the bizarre Ryan O’Reilly situation between Colorado and Calgary in February 2012, the Ducks won’t want to risk exposing their number one defenceman to an expensive offer sheet, which they would almost certainly match despite being a budget team.
- The Las Vegas expansion franchise wants to name a General Manager before the end of the month, according to a report on NHL.com. Owner Bill Foley said he’d like the team to come up with three to five candidates to interview, and the team is working with the NHL to properly contact teams about potential candidates. Foley also revealed that the team’s nickname and color scheme will be unveiled in the fall.
Matching a big offer sheet to Lindholm could have long-term consequences for the Ducks. I understand that he is an excellent young defenseman. However, they have to add 4 or 5 forwards (depending if they choose to carry 12 or 13 forwards) & a backup goalie. They already have 7 defensemen under contract if you count the recently signed Nate Guenin & have top prospect Shea Theodore waiting in the wings. The already have a lot of money invested in 5 defensemen. If a team gives Lindholm an offer sheet of over $9 million a season, the Ducks would likely have to move out a few contracts in order to complete their roster. Kevin Bieksa who would seem to be an obvious candidate to be moved, has a no-movement clause. The Ducks would probably be forced to trade 2 of Jakob Silfverberg, Cam Fowler, Simon Despres & Clayton Stoner.