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Hemsky, Smyth, Methot, Khabibulin TDL Update

February 24, 2012, 4:52 PM ET [58 Comments]
Richard Cloutier
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I love this time of year because it gives me an excuse to write 10 blogs a day.

Here's the latest stuff on all things Oil.

Hemsky
Ales Hemsky has a 2 year, $5mil per season contract offer sitting on his coffee table, waiting to be signed. Will he sign it? It sounds positive. He's still thinking it over, but it looks positive.

If he doesn't sign, the Oilers won't up the offer. It sounds like the Oilers have a few potential deals ready for Hemsky if he just says no.

Smyth
Oilers busy negotiating a contract extension for Ryan Smyth. Sounds like it could be 1 year, $4mil or 2 years, $3.5mil per. No big panic to get this done, as Smyth is staying put regardless if a deal gets done before the TDL.

Methot
Lots of rumors suggesting the Oilers have interest in Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot. I've heard Hemsky's named mentioned going the other way, but obviously he wouldn't be if he re-signs in Edmonton. Perhaps Methot is acquired for Omark + Peckham?

If the Oilers D is healthy next season, they'll be solid with Whitney, Petry, Gilbert, Smid, Methot and Sutton in the Top 6, and with Corey Potter as being the #7 guy.

Khabibulin
Hearing the most ridiculous trade rumor ever involving Khabby and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Khabibulin for Cody Franson? Something is seriously missing from this. Maybe a 2nd round pick? Or a big, ugly Leafs contract? If the Oil can get Franson for Khabibulin, there must be a dozen teams interested in him. Yikes. Don't believe the hype.

I can't see the Oilers dealing for both Methot and Franson. Obviously, if I had to pick between the two, I'd go with Franson...although Methot would be brought in for a very specific reason (toughen up the D group).

If Khabibulin Goes...
The Oilers will either go UFA shopping this summer, or make another deal at the TDL. Perhaps they move a forward like Ryan Jones to LA for Jonathan Bernier?

All we know right now is, the Oilers could be the busiest or the quietest team at the trade deadline. I'll be back. Perhaps soon if Hemsky and/or Smyth are officially re-signed.



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