All continues to be quiet on the Western Front for the Edmonton Oilers. The NHL Draft begins tomorrow evening with the first round, the remaining rounds will happen the following day.
Right now I have no new rumours or rumblings to report for the Oilers. I was hoping the weekend would give some new insight as to what to expect but things remain far too quiet. Right now that likely means Edmonton will step up to the virtual podium tomorrow and use their 14th overall pick on one of the many high end prospects available. Depending how the chips fall, Edmonton may trade down to add more draft picks to the pool.
If Askarov is available when Edmonton selects, would you trade down with a team to add a later first round pick and a second?
Darren Dreger is now reporting that Klefbom is receiving treatment for his injuries in Sweden with surgery likely being the end result. It is looking far more likely with each passing day that Klefbom will not be in the Oilers lineup next season.
Currently the Oilers have just over 8 million dollars in cap space with three RFA's that need to be signed; Athanasiou, Bear, and Benning. Especially with Klefbom out and a replacement needed, Athanasiou will not be returning.
Are there any players Edmonton can trade for draft picks for this season to relieve some cap space? Potentially but at this point it would be far more likely that they would be dealt for picks for next season instead.
The Coyotes are reportedly shopping the rights to Taylor Hall. No surprises that Hall won't want to sign in the desert as that team is no where close to competing and Hall wants to win. As nice as the story of him returning to Edmonton would be, I just don't see Edmonton as a fit for Hall right now unless Taylor agrees to take a massive pay cut.
Hopefully I will be able to update this blog with more news as the day proceeds, otherwise I will see you all back here tomorrow for the Draft.
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