Are the Golden Knights looking to make a trade?
LAS VEGAS SUN: In the wake of William Karlsson re-signing a one-year, $5.25-million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, Jesse Granger reports defenseman Shea Theodore is their only remaining free agent. Theodore is coming off his entry-level deal and lacks arbitration rights. General manager George McPhee hopes to re-sign the young blueliner before the start of the season. Granger also reports McPhee hinted at a possible move to bolster his forward lines. “We’re happy where we are,” said the Vegas GM. “If there’s an opportunity to upgrade at the forward position at any time over the next year we will.”
Will the Edmonton Oilers trade Al Montoya?
Al Montoya has always been the picture-perfect backup goaltender. With solid numbers across his solid career, the 33-year-old backstop has been able to contribute just about anywhere he’s gone, and he’s been certainly around. With one year remaining on the two-year extension he signed with the Canadiens — he was dealt to the Oilers for a conditional fourth-round pick — the pending UFA may find one more destination before he reaches the summer.
Russian netminder Mikko Koskinen was signed by the Oilers this off-season to help round out their goaltending depth; the only problem is Koskinen is a proven winner with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. If Koskinen proves capable and outplays Montoya for the backup role, the tried-and-tested Cuban-American goalie could find himself an easy trade chip to move. Montoya’s contract has little term and a low $1,062,500 price tag for a proven quantity. If Edmonton wants to find a new home for Montoya, any team in need of goaltending help would happy to have him on board.
