- TSN: It wasn’t much of surprise that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray cleared waivers today. No team wanted to put in a claim and assume the entire contract.
Goaltender Martin Gerber also cleared waivers and will likely be sent to their AHL club in Oklahoma City. There was thought that the Minnesota Wild might put in a claim.
What the Oilers do next with Souray is the big question. They’ll most likely not want to send him to their AHL in fear of the possible ‘negativity’ he might bring. Putting him on re-entry waivers is another option, with each team absorbing half the contract and cap hit, $2.25 million and $2.7 million respectively. Ideally the Oilers would like to trade him and not be on the hook for any of his contract.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: NY Rangers GM Glen Sather might have an interest in Souray if he’s placed on re-entry waivers. The Oilers are reluctant to place Souray on re-entry. Another issue that may hamper the Rangers chances of getting him on re-entry is that the Rangers sit at #10 on the waiver wire priority list, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit at #4. Souray still has to get through re-entry waivers if the Oilers are able to get a trade worked out.
- Jim Kelly of the SI.com: The NY Islanders could be another team interested in Souray if he’s put on re-entry waivers. Columbus is ahead of Islanders in waiver wire priority.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “Three league executives believe the only hope for Edmonton on Souray: Someone claims him on re-entry.”