NHL Rumors: Predators, Hurricanes, Kings and Oilers
Jesse Puljujarvi could be eyed by teams at the trade deadline. Keith Gretzky may trade him.

On the Nashville Predators …

Thomas Willis: Predators GM David Poile was on ‘The Midday 180’ and said that they looked at making “bigger trades for higher-end players” before the deadline but they didn’t want to be redundant. They like the versatility that Ryan Hartman brings, with Poile comparing him to Calle Jarnkrok.

On the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings … 

Lisa Dillman: The Hurricanes asked the Kings and were granted permission to speak with Mike Futa.

Jonathan Davis: It would be a huge loss for the Kings if Futa left for Carolina, but a huge gain for Hurricanes.

On the Edmonton Oilers …

Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1260 talking about the Edmonton Oilers and how patient they are with Jesse Puljujarvi. Dreger asked an Oilers source before the trade deadline if they could put Puljujarvi in play.

“And I flat-out got a ‘No, we’re not moving Puljujarvi.’ And that’s not that long ago. So clearly they see value in this kid longer term and they don’t feel like they’ve exhausted his potential yet. But I wonder if they get to the off-season if you don’t have to re-evaluate – not just with him, but everyone.”

Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka continues to say they won’t be trading Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but if they change their minds for whatever reason, and for some ‘radio fun,’ how would the Oilers acquire him?

“Who are you giving up? If you’re not willing to part with a Nugent-Hopkins or you’re not willing to part with a Puljujarvi as part of a package like that, then you’re not getting that piece, you’re not getting that player.

“So maybe the off-season things soften when we look at some of this young talent that is very, very good – just seems to be slow-moving in terms of developing into the players we thought they might be.”