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Horcoff to Dallas - Oilers Didn't Eat Salary

July 4, 2013, 9:35 PM ET [1014 Comments]
Richard Cloutier
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Hi ya,

So the deal was Shawn Horcoff to Dallas for Phillip Larsen and a 7th round pick in 2016.

Actually, this is a great deal for the Oilers. They didn't need to buy Horcoff out, and they didn't need to swallow any salary. Craig MacTavish is looking like a genius right now.

Larsen is a 23 year-old, 6'0" 190lbs defenseman who was in and out of the Stars lineup last season. His numbers were terrible and he only has a year left on his contract. At best, he'll be a #6 right pairing defenseman for the Oilers. At worst? He plays in the AHL.

Someone in my last blog comments mentioned something about Bob Stauffer saying Cody Eakins was going to be part of the deal? Actually, he didn't.

Stauffer had been hinting on air for a while that Horcoff could be heading south. I'm guessing, because he's got the inside knowledge, that he knew Dallas was open to adding him. Horcoff has a connection to Jim Nill and the owner.

Dan Tencer on Twitter less than an hour ago:

Dan Tencer ‏@dantencer 25m
Stauffer speculated Philip Larsen as a return for Horcoff on my show 20 minutes ago...Dreger suggesting same on Twitter right now. #BookIt


In any case, my advice is to pay attention to what Stauffer is saying...I mean, actually saying.

The Oilers got a really good deal here. They go into Free Agent Friday with $21mil in cap space. Subtract Hemsky in a deal and give the $5mil to Gagner, and you still have $21mil in cap space to play with.

I've been told MacT has plans tomorrow. David Clarkson was in Edmonton checking the place out on Thursday, so he's a definite possibility to sign. With Horcoff gone, the Oilers must add a 3rd line center. Could be the Zack Smith for Hemsky thing, you never know.

Columbus is looking for a skilled guy in their Top 6, so Hemsky could be a fit there. Perhaps Brandon Dubinsky comes back, with the Oilers throwing in a second asset?

These are me speculating, not a Stauffer rumor.

I heard other rumors that Ray Emery and Jaromir Jagr were in contact with the Oilers today. I cannot confirm this though. Just random chatter.

Stay tuned. The next 24 is going to be dramatic.
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