Evan’s NHL Daily: Kovalenko Returns, Oilers Interested In Binnington?

When you’re the second worst team in the NHL with major goaltending problems, who do you look into acquiring to fix the issue? Jordan Binnington, of course. He probably wouldn’t be my choice, especially with that contract, but the Edmonton Oilers are desperate.

With the Colorado Avalanche, they had a short practice on Wednesday, and all the focus was on Ross Colton, one day after he was ejected. Overseas, Nikolai Kovalenko returned to action, and didn’t miss a beat.

All that and more in this Thursday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

A look back at the win over the Devils, which include a bounce back performance from Valeri Nichushkin.

Miles Wood slamming an old teammate into the boards kickstarted a chaotic second period. (+)

One day after getting ejected, Ross Colton apologized to his head coach. What was Bednar’s response? Keep doing what you’re doing.

He’s the secret weapon in the organization right now, especially with the struggles of Jonathan Drouin and Tomas Tatar. Nikolai Kovalenko returned to action in the KHL and gave his team an immediate boost.

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Tufte Scratched With Eagles?

Something to keep an eye on. Riley Tufte was scratched from the Eagles game on Wednesday. Is there a chance he’ll be in Denver on Thursday night? It certainly wouldn’t surprise me.

NHL Trade Talk

The Edmonton Oilers are really entering desperation mode. With just five points after 11 games, their season already hangs in the balance. This week they waived Jack Campbell and recalled Calvin Pickard (yes, THAT Calvin Pickard), but that’s not going to fix things.

In the newest 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman mentioned reports that they’re interested in Jordan Binnington. It would be awfully difficult for the Oilers to fit that cap hit in, but not impossible. I don’t know why the Blues would consider him to be untouchable. If I was them, I’d be trying to get out of that contract, and a desperate team like the Oilers might be their savior. To his credit, Binnington is off to a much better start this year, but his last two seasons have been poor, and Edmonton bleeds scoring chances against.

Beyond Binnington, there are other options around the NHL. Montreal has too many goalies, and Jake Allen could be a fit. Juuse Saros would be the ultimate prize, but Nashville would expect a huge return, and I don’t know if the Oilers have that much to offer.

The Oilers take on the Sharks Thursday night, and if they lose that game, I have to imagine the owner will demand some changes.

National Hockey Now

A tough start for the Pittsburgh Penguins might get tougher if they’re without their starting goaltender for a little while.

Evan Rodrigues is thriving in Florida.

Speaking of trades, the Sharks made a smart one on Wednesday, picking up Calen Addison from the Wild.

After their beatdown of the Avalanche, the Golden Knights have lost back-to-back games.