Any time the Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes have been connected in trade chatter the speculation usually focusses on Coyotes defenceman Jakob Chychrun. According to Elliotte Friedman, though, there might be another player to consider as a candidate to move from the desert to Northern Alberta.
“I believe Edmonton is one of the teams — and I think there’s more than one — that has interest in Arizona centre Nick Bjugstad,” Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts segment during the second intermission of Hockey Night in Canada.
The 30-year-old is having a bounce-back season, potting 11 goals through 49 contests during his first year with the Coyotes. “10 are even-strength, one is shorthanded,” noted Freidman, adding Bjugstad’s $900,000 contract is one most clubs could easily squeeze under the salary cap.
Bjugstad’s six-foot-six frame is something you could see a team wanting down the middle for the post-season and in terms of just getting into the big dance, he’s does specialize in helping squads pick up an extra point. “Somebody else pointed out to me that the NHL lead this year in shootouts goals is four; [Bjugstad has] three and those are points you need to get into the playoffs,” Friedman said.
Another potential add that wouldn’t break the bank is Seattle Kraken defenceman Carson Soucy. According to Jeff Marek, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of progress on a new deal between the player and team, which could create a pressure point that causes the Kraken to act.
“He’s a pending unrestricted free agent,” Marek said of the six-foot-five, third-pair D-man who counts for $2.7 million against the cap. “So far, there’s been no discussion between Gerry Johansson, his agent, and Ron Francis, general manager of the Seattle Kraken and that’s a decision; do they let him potentially walk for nothing or do they keep him for an extended playoff run?”
Anton Khudobin was a huge part of a deep playoff run in the 2020 bubble playoffs, leading the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Final appearance with a .917 save percentage in 25 games. The Russian slipped down the Stars depth chart for a variety of reasons since then and while he comes with a hefty cap hit, Khudobin is healthy now and has been playing well in the American Hockey League.
“$3.75 million is the contract, that might be a sticking point here, but all things can get massaged,” Marek said.
