On the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders …
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Elliotte Friedman was on Bob Stauffer’s CHED 630 radio show. Stauffer mentions the Oilers trying to upgrade their blueline on the right side and possibly looking at Ducks Sami Vatanen or Islanders Travis Hamonic. Both the Ducks and Islanders could use a scoring winger. Friedman on the trade market for Justin Schultz.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re getting near to the end of his time with the Edmonton Oilers,” Friedman said. “I mean the writing is very much on the wall. I think it is time. I think both the organization and the player need a fresh start. It’s just not really changing there at all. I could see the Oilers not wanting to commit for whatever the salary is going to be for this year. I think there is a decent chance that a trade with him could happen.”
Friedman thinks the Oilers are getting closer to moving one of their young forwards for a defenseman.
“I do believe we are getting closer to the day that Edmonton makes a move with one of its young forwards. I would say on the ranking of it probably (Jordan) Eberle one, (Ryan) Nugent-Hopkins two for a young player, for a defenceman. I think that everybody is looking at Hamonic and saying, ‘Is there going to be a match there?’ I have no doubt that that is what the Oilers are considering. I have no doubt they’re going to try to get it done.”
As for an Oilers – Ducks trade.
“The Anaheim thing I think is very interesting. I can’t see Anaheim being in it for Schultz, considering all the history. But I do agree with you that Anaheim is going to be looking for a forward and I do think Anaheim is going to be looking for a forward soon…I definitely see a situation where Anaheim deals defence for forwards.”
Friedman goes on to say that a $6 million winger is something that Ducks GM Bob Murray may not really interested in, and that they may prefer someone younger and cheaper.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
- Chris Nichols of the Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on the Anaheim Ducks.
“I still think there’s the potential of a big move coming out there. We’ve talked about it. They’ve got a lot of D. They’ve got a lot of D. A lot of good D. A lot of good young D.”
On what GM Bob Murray is looking for.
“He wants young forwards. I know there was a rumor he might do one for Loui Eriksson. I would be really surprised if that was the deal that Bob chose. To me, he’s looking for a young guy who he can control. So I would be surprised if Loui Eriksson was the target, as opposed to somebody else who’s a bit younger and has a lot longer until free agency.”
On the Ducks goalie situation with Frederik Andersen and John Gibson.
“Yeah, and I would be surprised if that decision was not to trade for Freddie Andersen. They’ve got John Gibson signed to a three-year deal at really good cap money for Anaheim, which is a budget team. So if it wasn’t Andersen that was traded, I would be shocked. Besides, Gibson’s the guy they’re riding now. So I see Andersen as being the guy that goes.”