Hot Links: Monday, May 31

Morning, folks!

Well, we’re almost into June and the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the brink of elimination after once holding a 3-1 lead in their series with the Montreal Canadiens.

Either way, one of those fanbases are going to be devastated. Either way, I’m jealous they both have something more to care about than their GM’s latest absolutely batshit press conference, even if just for one more night.

I know it’s sacrilege around these parts — or any parts outside of the GTA — but I might want Toronto to win. Or, I might have wanted Toronto to win until Kyle Dubas and Co. lost their way this season, adding guys they shouldn’t have almost as if to appease the cabal of hockey men. I don’t want Montreal to win at all. Is there any possible outcome that sees both teams relegated to Junior B and we never have to concern ourselves with either of them?

Here’s hoping, right?

Otherwise, there is Oilers news today but you’ll have to visit the links to dive into it. LT really thinks they should sign Darnell Nurse, ASAP. I’m of the opinion they should explore a trade. I don’t think he’s irreplaceable, especially if the goal is to run that pairing behind Connor McDavid and Jesse Puljujarvi (and Leon Draisaitl) for most of the season.

The Case For Buying Out James Neal’s Contract (Copper and Blue)

The SuperFan Podcast – Episode 26 – Dennis King (@dkingbh) (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Friday, May 28 (Copper and Blue)

Making Plans For Mikko (Copper and Blue)

Monday Mailbag – Biggest Off-Season Needs (ON)

Rig Radio Is Back! (TOR)

Bakersfield Condors Win AHL Pacific Division Title (ON)

Oilers Need To Move On From Coach Dave Tippett (THW)

Women Of Oilersnation: Sam Costa (ON)

Farm Workers 2021 (LT)

The Expansion Draft, Buyouts, And Opportunities To Create More Cap Room (ON)

JONES: Racial Barrage Directed At Oilers’ Bear Leads To Outpouring Of Charity (ES)

Handful Of Oil Kings Land On Central Scouting Rankings Ahead Of NHL Draft (ES)

Racism Directed At Oilers’ Ethan Bear Sparks Jump In Donations To Beckie Scott’s Indigenous Sport Organization (CBC)

Where Does Ilya Konovalov Fit In The Edmonton Oilers Plans? (ON)

Ken Holland’s Whiteboard (LT)

56 Thoughts After A 56-Game Season (ON)

OILERS NOTES: Mike Smith Proved Everybody Wrong This Season (ES)

JONES: Take A Chill Pill, Oilers Fans. Get Ready For A Decade Of Dominance (ES)

Imagine?

A Few Thoughts On Edmonton Oilers Past, Present And Future (EJ)

Edmonton Oilers Forward Joakim Nygard Signs Six-Year Contract In SHL (ON)

An Overview Of Ken Holland’s 2021 Off-Season (ON)

Who Stays? Who Goes? Oilers Could Look Quite Different Next Season After Departure Of Several Players (TA)

Lowetide: It Won’t Be Easy, But The Oilers Need To Re-Sign Darnell Nurse Soon (TA)

Ideal Oilers Free-Agent Targets: The Best Fits For The Many Roster Holes Edmonton Needs To Fill This Offseason (TA)