In today’s NHL rumors roundup, several teams reached agreements on Wednesday to forestall Friday’s NHL roster freeze. Are there any more offers in the next few hours? The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly acting aggressively. What do you want to add and do you have a specific goal in mind? Meanwhile, could the Edmonton Oilers have a conversation with Jeff Skinner about a trade before the deadline? Is there a better fit than in Edmonton? Finally, is Chris Drury’s New York clearinghouse ready to make a big move?

Canucks are desperate to make a move

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly increasing their efforts to shake up their roster with a significant trade aimed at adding a hard-hitting defenseman who can move the puck efficiently. Jim Rutherford, president of hockey operations, known for his aggressive leadership style, is on guard; according to Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff, the Canucks are working against time to get a deal done.

“I’m told the Canucks feel like they’ve made some progress in finding an impact defenseman,” Seravalli reported. “Over the last 24 to 48 hours there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency about whether they might even be able to get anything done before the trading halt comes into effect.”

Seravalli noted that while no specific team or player has been identified, there are rumors that they really like Buffalo’s Bowen Byram. Elliotte Friedman from SportsnetPierre LeBrun by TSNand Rick Dhaliwal have all highlighted Vancouver’s interest in Byram. While Elias Pettersson’s hypothetical trade proposal between Byram and Dylan Cozens remains purely speculative, reports confirm that discussions have taken place between the Canucks and Sabers.

“I certainly don’t guarantee it will happen, but they believe they have made some progress here. So stay tuned,” Seravalli said.

Skinner and Oilers talk wrong fit and possible trade?

Jason Strudwick of the Got Yer’ Back podcast said on the show – and then repeated it with Jason Gregor on Sports 1440 – that he feels the Edmonton Oilers and forward Jeff Skinner will have a conversation about a new spot at some point to find play for him. As good as Skinner is, the chemistry isn’t there.

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With his spot on the roster slipping, Skinner was moved to the fourth line with the return of Viktor Arvidsson and the Oilers, similar to how Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen moved Leon Draisaitl’s line. If Skinner can’t earn a spot in the top six, both teams may find that Skinner doesn’t fit in in Edmonton.

Strudwick believes Skinner might be willing to move to a rival if he were given more playing time. However, he has a full no-move clause and can stop a trade if he wants. The Oilers’ way out would then be to tell Skinner that he won’t play in the postseason, which defeats the purpose of why Skinner signed with the Oilers in the first place.

Is Drury trying to make a big move?

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman joined the FAN Hockey Show to talk about the Rangers’ strategy and said they want to throw people out. “They’re clearing the deck,” Friedman said. They want to try something big, and insiders are trying to figure out what that will be.

Friedman admitted that Kaapo Kakko needed a fresh start and his run in New York was over. It was clear he was not part of the Rangers’ future plans.