Good evening, friends. Or, Happy April Fools Day for some by the time you read this. I was going to post a blog with a prank about them building a 2,000ft oil rig on top of Rexall Place, but instead I bring you news about a number of Oilers players heading into the deadline.
First up, Ladislav Smid news.
Derek Van Diest from the Edmonton Sun has been suggesting on Twitter today that Smid and the Oilers are close to a 4 year/$4mil per season contract extension. I was told this evening that he will be re-signed (not dealt) and he will receive $3.5mil per season on a 4 year deal.
The information I received from my source mentioned comments made by Bob Stauffer and Dan Tencer during the Oilers broadcast on Thursday during the Columbus game. At the time Stauffer mentioned he saw Smid coming in a an amount close to this. Keep in mind who Stauffer is in relation to this organization: When everyone was saying Sutter was about to become the next Head Coach in Edmonton, Stauffer insisted that Ralph Krueger had a real shot.
I received more very interesting information from my source this evening:
- Ryan Jones is very much in play. Reason being, the Oilers perhaps have too many forwards, and Jones will soon be passed on the depth chart by guys like Teemu Hartikainen.
- Anton Lander, who has been called up by the Oilers, will become the 4th line center, moving Ryan Smyth back to the wing. Make the Oilers 4th line Smyth/Lander/Brown.
- I don't know if the Oilers can trade Eric Belanger at the deadline, but I think he's played his last game as an Oiler. Their record when he doesn't play is 6-1-4.
- My source told me this evening that the Oilers are very much in the playoff hunt, but the chances of them making any major deals are low. It appears Ryan Whitney will not be dealt unless the Oilers are blown away by an offer.
- My source also informed me that Shawn Horcoff has almost worked himself to "untouchable" status. The Oilers are 10-4-3 when Horcoff is playing this season, and Horcoff, Nugent-Hopkins and Gagner give the team depth at center they haven't enjoyed in years. Horcoff will not be bought-out next season, and might play out his entire contract in Edmonton.,
- My source indicated that the Oilers top line of Hall/Nuge/Eberle are perhaps healthy for the first time this season. Hall has been dealing with a hamstring issues this season; Eberle has had a broken finger and a lower-body injury. And Nuge, of course, has had a shoulder issue. All three are healthy now, and their play on the ice shows it.
- Apparently, there's zero possibility that Jay Bouwmeester to the Oilers is going to happen.
- However, if Mark Streit and the Islanders cannot come to an extension, acquiring Streit might be completely possible. Maybe a 2nd round pick in 2013 and a conditional 1st round pick in 2014 based on Streit re-signing with the Oilers?
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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