Elliotte Friedman reports that money was one significant factor (perhaps the biggest) in the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen.

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Connor McDavid for their next three games after the NHL suspended the superstar forward following an illegal cross-check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland on Saturday.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl scored his 29th goal in the first five minute of a game in a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

The Edmonton Oilers are second in the Pacific Division, and they have Leon Draisaitl to thank for that. While their 27-13-3 record through 43 games was largely expected, how they got there has been somewhat surprising.

Draisaitl is expected to be a core piece for the Oilers for the foreseeable future. He signed an eight-year, $112 million contract ($14 million average annual value) starting next season and is currently in the final season of an eight-year, $68 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) signed prior to the 2017-2018 season.

There's plenty of evidence that proves the Oilers coaches have pulled the right strings to get the most from the defence.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in scoring. Draisaitl only trails him by a single point. There is plenty of season left to be played, but as long as the Oilers have Draisaitl, they'll be fine. Draisaitl will be able to hold down the fort until the captain returns.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid got brutally honest on his three-game suspension for cross-checking Conor Garland.

Zach Hyman had two goals and an assist, Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-2.

As the Oilers add at the deadline, it would be a big mistake for the team to overlook Corey Perry's contributions.

Following four games at home, the Seattle Kraken are set to play its final road game of January Monday night. Prior to a matchup Saturday afternoon with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Kraken have won two of its last three home games.