On the Edmonton Oilers …
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Elliotte Friedman was on Hockey Central and said that Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom appears to be playing hurt and they could be showcasing him instead of shutting him down.
“It’s pretty clear that he’s been playing hurt. And players who have played against him say that he has been really protective of his shoulder, the way he turns, the way he goes into the boards. Like, he has played pretty hard this year considering he has really been hurting.
And the fact that they haven’t shut him down, I think that’s leading to some belief that they are showcasing him. And if you want to trade something that can get you value in Edmonton, Klefbom might be the guy.
And I think the fact that they haven’t shut him down when clearly he has been playing with pain, I think that’s leading to some wonder that he could be a guy that other teams are looking at.”
Mark Spector was on Oilers Now and was staying that Klefbom is always hurt and it won’t get easier as he ages. Spector adds:
“I’d absolutely move him…. His track record is he’s hurt too much. I’d move him.”
Staples notes that until Andrej Sekera’s health questions are answered, he’d be leery of moving Klefbom despite his inconsistent play.
Klefbom is only 24 years old and entering his prime. 30-plus year olds Kris Russell and Andrej Sekera have no-movement clauses.
Friedman’s comments about Klefbom are speculative, but he’s a credible source.
Klefbom has five years left on his deal at a $4.17 million cap hit.