A concern has surfaced among NHL player agents regarding the potential impact of Mike Babcock as the head coach for the Edmonton Oilers. Several clients have expressed that the opportunity to play alongside stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl might be diminished if Babcock is at the helm, viewing it as a valid concern.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are noted for their willingness to make significant roster adjustments to improve the team or manage salary cap constraints. There’s speculation that they might consider trading the 34-year-old Mark Stone to create space for players like Pavel Dorofeyev and potentially acquire Dylan Larkin, given financial considerations. This bold approach is consistent with the team’s past operations, leading to discussions about how creative they might get. The potential departure of goalie Adin Hill, with his $6.25 million cap hit, could free up substantial funds. The team’s interest in Larkin is a key point, with questions about whether they can persuade Detroit and if he would fit financially. There’s also internal debate about the long-term consistency of players like Dorofeyev, questioning if his recent success is due to individual skill or playing alongside top talent.
