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NHL Rumors: Oilers to buyout James Neal, Golden Knights to trade goalie, and Canucks moving Nate Schmidt

Originally posted on The Daily Goal Horn | Last updated 7/7/21

As three major offseason dates approach on the calendar, you can expect several NHL Rumors post per day. The Expansion Draft is July 21st, Entry Draft is the 23rd, and Free Agent Frenzy starts on the 28th.

We kick off today’s offseason transaction talk with the Edmonton Oilers who have plans to add Duncan Keith via trade. They will also seek more cap flexibility and will use the first buyout window to do so.

NHL Rumors: Oilers to buyout James Neal

James Neal is the leading candidate for a buyout according to many NHL experts. Frank Seravalli also listed him as one of the top candidates when the buyout window opens after the Stanley Cup Final.

Oilers GM Ken Holland indicated he could buyout one, if not two players this summer and Neal rises to the top of the list. He was a healthy scratch for a large chunk of the season after struggling to regain form from an early season COVID-19-related illness. Neal finished with 10 points in 29 games. A buyout would leave Edmonton with a $1.92 million dead cap charge for the next four seasons, representing just shy of a $4 million savings in each of the next two campaigns.
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Depending on the parameters of a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks for Duncan Keith, that savings on a Neal buyout helps pave the way to take on salary. The 37 year-old rearguard has two years left at $5.5 million per season with a full no-move clause.

Golden Knights dynamic duo done in Vegas

Marc-Andre Fleury partnered with Robin Lehner to capture the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in 2020-21. The 36 year-old Fleury also captured his first Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie. Head coach Peter DeBoer indicated on breakup day that the dynamic duo may not be back together for next season.

Owner, Bill Foley who was adamant last season about keeping Fleury seems to agree. “I like having our two goalies. They’re both skilled. They’re both great guys. Alternating two top goalies like that, really getting into a tandem situation, I believe really helps,” he said. “But we’ll just have to see how things evolve over this next few weeks or so.”

The biggest issue for the Golden Knights is the fact both goalies are being paid starter salaries. Marc-Andre Fleury makes $7 million and Robin Lehner earns $5 million. If they can, moving Fleury should be a priority since he only has one year left on his deal. I for one believe there are a few teams he would waive his no move clause, one being his old Pittsburgh Penguins. The Golden Knights will need to eat up to 50% of that salary in order to facilitate a deal.

Canucks searching for cap space shopping Nate Schmidt

The Vancouver Canucks need cap space desperately. That’s because two of their best, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes are up for new deals as RFAs. GM Jim Benning needs to protect against the threat of an offer sheet, but more importantly he wants to lock down the cornerstones of the franchise.

When it comes to finding more money, trading Nate Schmidt is the likely option. He is a 29 year-old defenseman with four years remaining at $5.95 million AAV. There’s also been speculation he’s asked to be moved but it hasn’t been confirmed.

Regardless, it hasn’t really worked out for him in Vancouver and he is going to be a sought after commodity.

One name you’ll see on the list is Vancouver’s Nate Schmidt. Doesn’t sound like things have worked out and we’re told he is on the block. He has 4-years left at $5.9M AAV and a 10-team no-trade list. https://t.co/FU8d4SZLXa
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2021