Given today’s NHL rumors, is it possible that David Krejci will return to the NHL? Meanwhile, what’s the latest on Jack Campbell and the likelihood of him testing the free hand?
The Edmonton Oilers will put Dylan Holloway in the lineup for the first time and the Montreal Canadiens don’t know who they’ll call up first overall, but sources say they’re sticking with the pick.
Krejci considers NHL return
Boston Hockey Now’s Joe Haggerty reports that former Boston Bruins forward David Krejci will be spending his summer in the United States and said he will be “thinking about what to do next” when it comes to his professional ice hockey career. Haggerty notes that it sounds like there are two options: return to the NHL or return to HC Olomouc.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney said he hasn’t spoken to Krejci about a potential return to the NHL, but has spoken to him many times before. He explained:
“I stayed in touch with David and his camp throughout the year. He had to make tough decisions about the promise he had made to his family overall. I finally decided to stay and do it. I’m sure if at some point he decides he wants to come back, hopefully I’ll get a call and we can talk. But I haven’t walked that path for several months.”
Sweeney has other things to focus on first. Some of his key players – Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and possibly Patrice Bergeron – have serious injuries that will keep them away for some time. There’s also speculation the Bruins could be looking to move a defender, possibly Matt Grzelcyk or Mike Reilly.
Campbell likely to test the free agent market?
TSN’s Chris Johnston says it’s still uncertain whether Jack Campbell will return with the Toronto Maple Leafs or test free agency. Word is he’s looking for $5 million a season in renewal, but the Leafs aren’t sure they want to go longer than three years.
Also Read: Oilers Could Lose Kane Again to Sharks If Side Deal Isn’t Worked Out
This all comes after Elliotte Friedman reported that there had been no talks of a contract extension between the two sides. Unrestricted free reign begins on July 13 and when Campbell comes out on the scene he will be one of the most sought-after goalkeepers. For the Leafs, if they’re not willing to pay Campbell $5 million over three years, who are they willing to give that to?
Dylan Holloway makes his Oilers debut
Corresponding Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli“Hearing Dylan Holloway is scheduled to make his #NHL debut in Game 4 for #LetsGoOilers tonight as they attempt to fend off a sweep from #GoAvsGo.” With Evander Kane not on the lineup and Kailer Yamamoto likely out due to injury, had to the Oilers are adding some potential attacks to their lineup.
It’s not clear exactly where Holloway will break in, but a top six role is arguably the best place for him to thrive. Seravalli also notes, “Brad Malone is also back in the lineup for Game 4, in case you were wondering.” Ryan Rishaugh reports, “Holloway and Malone both left the ice after a short optional 10-minute skate. Definitely didn’t burn his legs.” He adds it’s his reasonable guess that both guys are there.
Canadiens updates from the NHL Combine
The Athletic’s Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin provided a few updates on the Montreal Canadiens, all drawn from conversations they had at the NHL Scouting Combine. Among the notes they’ve made is that the Canadians aren’t sure who they’ll pick with the first overall pick this summer.
The two writers write:
But one thing we can say with some certainty is that not only is it not a slam dunk that it will be Kingston Frontenacs center Shane Wright, but it sounds like Slovakia power winger Juraj Slafkovsky’s momentum left the Canadians impressed.
Source – ‘Basu and Godin: Canadien’s information circulated on the NHL Combine. Here’s what we heard’ – Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin – The Athletic – 06/06/2022
There’s also talk of other teams not being interested in getting No. 1. Because the top pick is far from consensus, and the Canadians could very likely pick a player who doesn’t end up being the best draft class, teams are unwilling to give away the assets that would be required to make the best pick hold true.
Jim Parsons is a senior freelance THW writer, part-time journalist, and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes NHL news and rumor while also writing features about the Edmonton Oilers. He’s been a trusted source at The Hockey Writers for more than five years, but beyond that, his mission is to keep readers up to date with the latest NHL gossip and tech talk. Jim is a daily must-read for readers who want to be “in the loop.”
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