Deals announced soon in New York: Hughes and his counterparts can still make a big splash

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Jeff Drouin
August 12, 2022 (1:51 PM)

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This is one of the stories that is getting a lot of attention right now in the hockey world as we know that the New York Islanders are about to announce trades.

This is what Kevin Weekes (NHL Network) and Stefen Rosner are reporting.

We're talking about (at least) five or six trades. That's big.

The summer is far from over, Kent Hughes and his counterparts can still make a big splash

As Marc-Olivier Beaudoin reports, considering this, we realize that there could be plenty of action, in the NHL, between now and the start of next season:

"Still several RFAs without contracts right now:

- Jason Robertson (DAL)
- Jake Oettinger (DAL)
- Noah Dobson (NYI)
- Kirby Dach (MTL)
- Alex Romanov (NYI)
- Alex Formenton (OTT)
- Rasmus Sandin (TOR)
- Erik Brannström (OTT)
- Barrett Hayton (ARI)

And many more!"

We're talking about Kent Hughes specifically here, because we're covering the Habs specifically, but that obviously goes for his other 31 counterparts.

NHL general managers still have the opportunity to hit it big and pick up some outstanding talent, like Jason Robertson (79 points and 41 goals, in 74 games) or Jake Oettinger.

Knowing that trades will be announced soon in New York, we can probably consider that the Noah Dobson and Alex Romanov files are settled, but that still leaves room for a lot of action.

As Beaudoin mentions, the Stars are in relatively hot water with two All-Star players:

"The Stars' case will be interesting to watch. They have just over $10M available on the payroll and the contracts of Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger should exceed that amount. Anton Khudobin could join LTIR but it's still tight. Any movement to expect?"

If an NHL team is able to acquire an Oettinger or Robertson, it will be quite a home run for that organization. (which could take advantage of the Stars' predicament)

Going back to the Islanders, knowing that players have (or will?) be traded, there is also a possibility for a GM to take a big shot.

Several informants, like David Pagnotta, believe that the days of a player like Anthony Beauvillier could be numbered in Long Island.

And there could be more, because if they do sign Nazem Kadri (it's going to happen), they're going to have to free up some money and fast. This is another opportunity for a GM to make a big splash and take advantage of it.

Lots of action to look forward to in September!

Speaking of hostile offers, let's remember that Jesperi Kotkaniemi's offer was submitted in September. (just like many others in the past few years)

Will Robertson or Oettinger be next? To be continued.