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Hot Links: Thursday, March 26

The NHL has pushed back the scouting combine, entry draft, and awards show due to COVID-19. A look at how Seattle expansion might affect Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Possible buyout candidates, and MORE!

By flarwick

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NHL: New York Islanders at Edmonton Oilers Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Morning, folks!

Yesterday, the NHL confirmed that they would be postponing all of their main offseason events: the combine, entry draft, and NHL Awards show due to the global pandemic. The NBA also cancelled the remainder of the 2019-20 season, so don’t get your hopes up for sport of any kind to return any time soon.

A few NHL teams — I count the Devils, Bruins, and Hurricanes so far — have shown themselves to be truly ghoulish in the name of stabilizing their businesses.

Though the draft is postponed, we’re approaching the time in which we typically, as Oilers fans, look downward at the incoming crop of teenagers to determine which of them will finally drag the team out of the basement.

Seattle expansion has NOT been postponed, so it’s probably time to start looking at the various permutations of who the Oilers might protect, and how that might factor into contracts for players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

While the Oilers have enjoyed a nice standings improvement this season, their roster is still imperfect. Who might be their best option for a buyout?

The Oilers have been in contract discussions with former Oiler F Anton Slepyshev. May 1 is the date KHL free agents are allowed to sign with NHL teams. We wait.

Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 thoughts touches on Connor McDavid and when he and Leon Draisaitl thought the Oilers were for real this season.

Not a crazy news day, but there is news nonetheless. Read it, and then wash your hands. Even if you don’t need to. Better safe than sorry. Til next time.

From Us

NHL To Postpone 2020 Scouting Combine, Draft (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Wednesday, March 25 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Now Is The Time For The NHL To Change The Draft Age (Oilersnation)

Back Draft (Lowetide)

The Seattle Expansion Draft And What It Means For Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ Next Contract (Oilersnation)

KHL Free Agents Are Able To Sign With NHL Teams On May 1st (Oilersnation)

31 Thoughts: Checking In With McDavid, Matthews, Eichel And More (Sportsnet)

For Money

If The Oilers Need To Clear Money With A Buyout, They Have One Real Option (Athletic)

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