NHL Trade Rumors June 21, 2018

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Edmonton Oilers looking to trade Milan Lucic

The Fourth Period: It seems as though Milan Lucic may be on his way out of Edmonton – if the Oilers have it their way. The Edmonton Oilers are trying and talking to teams about potentially taking another contract back even if that means sweetening the pot with a pick or some other roster player in order to make it happen. Lucic’s hefty cap hit of $6 million will make him a tough sell to any team. Lucic, 30, still has five years remaining on his contract that carries a full No Movement Clause until 2021, allowing the player to have complete control in any possible trade destination.

Ryan O’Reilly likely to be traded this summer

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes it’s the Buffalo Sabres intention to trade center Ryan O’Reilly in the next two weeks, though they’re quite happen to retain him for next season if they don’t find a suitable offer. O’Reilly’s getting a $7.5 million signing bonus on July 1 and some interested parties (Carolina Hurricanes) would prefer to pursue a deal after that, but the Sabres are indicating they’ll want more in return if they have to pay that bonus. The Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers also have interest in O’Reilly.

Pittsburgh Penguins interested in Jack Johnson

POST-GAZETTE.COM: Jason Mackey reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have discussed the possibility of signing Columbus Blue Jackets pending UFA defenseman Jack Johnson. Mackey notes Johnson is good friends with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and it’s believed Crosby would like Johnson to consider joining the Penguins. General manager Jim Rutherford also drafted Johnson in 2005 when he was GM of the Carolina Hurricanes. Signing Johnson, however, could mean shedding some salary, with “the list of possibilities there includes Matt Hunwick ($2.25 million), Conor Sheary ($3 million) and Carl Hagelin ($4 million).”