Morning Face Off: Are We Heading Towards an Erikkson for Lucic Swap?

We are still about 36 hours (or less depending on when you read this) away from puck drop in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals but the offseason hot stove is already starting to heat up.

The Edmonton Oilers have already been active in preparing for next season as they have hired former Red Wings GM Ken Holland as President and general manager and named Dave Tippet as the new bench boss. Despite being loaded down the middle with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers still have plenty of questions marks. One of the biggest problems for Holland to solve is what to do with Milan Lucic and his contract.

NHL News and Notes

• Once teammates, a swap of Milan Lucic for Loui Erikkson could make sense for both the Oilers and Canucks, however, Holland may have to sweeten the deal in order for it to work.
• Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is expected to be a hot commodity as an RFA this summer. However, don’t expect the Canadians to be heavily involved says, Brendan Kelly.
• Despite making a magical run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hurricanes want more goal scoring if they are going to make it a step further next season.
• After acquiring the rights to forward Kevin Hayes, the Flyers are working hard to sign the forward before the start of free agency on July 1st.
• Jeff Skinner got paid by the Sabres. Now, how will it affect the crop of UFAs and RFAs as we head towards the start of free agency?
• The five teams that should trade for Penguins forward, Phil Kessel.
• After finishing just outside of the playoff picture, the offseason for the Coyotes is of the utmost importance says Matthew Jacobson of Puck77.com
• Three teams who should sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky when free agency opens up in a few weeks.

Stanley Cup Final Headlines

• The Hockey News Podcast: Who wins game seven between the Bruins and the Blues?
• Dan Rosen of NHL.com says that the Blues won’t be overwhelmed by the magnitude of game seven in Boston.
• Could Matt Grzelyck be a wildcard for the Bruins?
• Six years later, Tuukka Rask came up big in game six of the Stanley Cup Final.
• With just one Stanley Cup Final game under his belt, Karson Kuhlman is already making an impact for the Bruins.
• Busch Stadium will be the site of the Blues watch party on Wednesday for game seven.
• The Blues will have one more shot to hoist the Cup where they have been at their best…on the road.
• Bruins poise and experience were key factors in forcing a game seven says, Chad Finn.
• After serving his one-game suspension, Ivan Barbashev will be back in the lineup in Boston on Wednesday.

– Ian Glendon is the Editor-In-Chief of Full Press Coverage and the Managing Editor of FPC NHL. He covers the National Hockey League. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31 Follow @FPC_NHL and Facebook.