The Daily: Oilers Scout Montreal Goalies; Do ‘Hawks Need Laine?

Former Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, now the GM in charge of the Edmonton Oilers’ fortunes, is keeping an eye on all three Montreal Canadiens goalies these days.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman the Oilers are not close to making a deal, but are watching Jake Allen, Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. Young Primeau, son of former Red Wings player Keith Primeau, recently beat the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. The Canadiens will move one of those three at some point this season. The Habs are talking to Montembeault about a new contract, but they reportedly aren’t close.

Holland is dealing with a mess in Edmonton. The Oilers are considered a contender, but started 5-11-1. They recently banished $5 million goalie Jack Campbell to the American Hockey League. He’s not the short- or long-term answer.

The pressure is on Holland to stabilize the team’s goaltending outlook and get the Oilers point in the right direction.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings will meet the New Jersey Devils at Little Caesars Arena Wednesday. Coach Derek Lalonde said defenseman Jake Walman might be able to play in that game. But that is far from certain. He was injured against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Sweden. Injured Nico Hischier is practicing with the New Jersey Devils, but there is no timetable for his return.  Lalonde didn’t say who will be net, but made it seem like it might be Alex Lyon who played well in his Red Wings’ debut.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Austin Czarnik was sent back to the Grand Rapids Griffins. The decision on any call-ups will be made once they have a better handle on Walman’s status.
• Bob Duff writes about why it is unclear who should be starting in net for the Red Wings. Ville Husso has been giving up three or more goals in almost every game he plays. Should Lyon get a shot at more games?
• Former Red Wings Alex Nedeljkovic, meanwhile, has been impressive for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored a goal in a minor-league game and pitched a shutout for the Penguins.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Police report sheds light on Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic’s arrest after a physical confrontation with his wife. The report states Lucic was intoxicated and became agitated over a missing phone. Boston Bruins.

Chicago: Should the Chicago Blackhawks make a call on Patrick Laine? Nate Brown weighs in.  The Blue Jackets made Patrik Laine a healthy scratch.

Nashville: Why Luke Evangelista is being scratched by the Nashville Predators.

Pittsburgh: Before the Penguins can win consistently, they have to stop battling themselves. Dan Kingerski has a take. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: The Sharks have been short on fun during their miserable start. But everyone seems amused at Tomas Hertl telling Prince Harry to drop the puck in a ceremonial  faceoff. San Jose Sharks.

Vegas: Chris Gawlik explains why fans shouldn’t be concerned about the Vegas Golden Knights‘ current rough patch.