NHL Rumors: Oilers PTO Plan, Canadiens Patience with Marchenko, Bolduc, and Xhekaj – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, are the Edmonton Oilers planning on bringing in a player or two on a PTO? GM Stan Bowman addressed that idea this week. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens remain linked to Kirill Marchenko and it sounds like they are ready to wait for a player who will eventually want out of Columbus. Finally, how patient are Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj willing to be?

The Oilers Could Go The PTO Route

The Edmonton Oilers general manager spoke on several topics this week as he joined Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now. Offering injury updates and details on the team’s salary cap situation, Bowman didn’t shy away from talking about PTOs.

It’s the time of the offseason where players who haven’t found a landing spot will be looking for an opportunity. With the Oilers down a few bodies, it makes sense that they might be open to the idea of bringing someone in. 

Bowman confirmed it was possible, even if it wasn’t a priority. 

“There are still some decent players out there who are trying to find landing spots. I’m not sure if we’re going to go down that road,” said the GM. He didn’t get into which players were “decent” and had possibly caught the attention of management and coaches, but Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, Evander Kane, Michael Bunting, John Klingberg and others haven’t been signed. 

Bowman added, ” We’re not overflowing with players, but we also don’t have a shortage of players. We’re in that mode where yeah, we probably could try to bring a guy in on a tryout — not the worst idea.”

Marchenko Remains Linked to Canadiens

In yesterday’s rumors report, I referenced the report about the Oilers and forward Kirill Marchenko. They aren’t the only team being linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ star. The Montreal Canadiens remain closely connected to the player, and many believe their odds of acquiring Marchenko are better than anyone else’s.

Appearing on The Sick Podcast, Tony Marinaro said he believes Montreal is positioning itself to take a run at a player who will eventually want out. Lumping Montreal in with Tampa Bay, Florida, Buffalo, all are contenders who will look to upgrade. Both Marinaro and Jimmy Murphy believe that Marchenko (and eventually Zach Werenski) will try to “get themselves out of there [Columbus].”

Bolduc and Xhekaj Updates and the Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have two notable contract situations to monitor ahead of training camp, with Zachary Bolduc expected to reach an agreement soon and Arber Xhekaj potentially taking longer. Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports that Bolduc is reportedly not concerned about his contract and could sign a three-year deal worth around $4 million annually. The forward showed encouraging progress during Montreal’s playoff run and is expected to have a larger opportunity next season.

Xhekaj’s situation is more complicated. While the Canadiens view him as an important piece, his limited ice time and inconsistent usage last season could have him hesitant to commit long-term. He also faces competition on a crowded blue line, which could eventually lead to a trade or create more opportunity for him. The expectation is that Xhekaj wants to remain in Montreal, but it remains unclear how long he is willing to wait for a clearer path to regular playing time.

Engels writes, “I can’t help but wonder just how long Xhekaj is willing to wait. Because waiting too long could cost him valuable preparation time for the season and that cost could outweigh the benefit of holding out, especially since the type of deal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is trying to swing rarely materializes in the pre-season.”