The Bruins Have Reportedly Kicked Tires On Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Calgary, Carolina, Chicago, Edmonton and San Jose are among the teams who have asked about Darcy Kuemper. Boston, Calgary, and Edmonton have checked in on Oliver Ekman-Larsson (there undoubtedly are more). via 31 Thoughts/Sportsnet
So Elliotte Friedman in today's 31 Thoughts on Sportsnet dropped this tidbit, the B's (along with the Flames and Oilers) have checked in with Arizona (who just hired Bill Armstrong as their GM) on Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Obviously nothing substantial, but alas its "offseason" news and the B's are looking to tweak their roster.
My first thought. Why? If anything the bubble playoffs has taught us is that the B's are in desperate need of a Top 6 winger (as they have been for what feels like 5+ years). But sure, let's talk left shot d-men. OEL signed a monster contract in 2018 (8.25m AAV x 8 years). Yes, ARI could retain some of that in a trade, but acquiring him and his mammoth of a deal won't come cheap. His play has dropped off a little bit, you could point to the Coyotes not being a very good team, but again, it's a big risk with that contract (even if Torey Krug leaves). And for that reason, I'm out.
It makes sense that Sweeney and company are thinking about the future of the D corps though. Chara and Krug are both UFAs, Grzelcyk is an RFA. It makes sense that they are kicking these tires. This screams to me that Torey Krug is gone... (to me at least). Feels like they're going to let him walk, I actually think they will offer him something, but it certainly won't be in the ballpark of what he a) deserves and b) wants. Once again, pain.
Again, Don, please go get David Krejci some help. Please. Taylor Hall is the dream obviously. Would he leave dollars on the table to sign in Boston? Who knows. But if the B's want to maximize this Cap window (that is closing!) they need some god damn scoring help. I'm out on OEL (for now).