On the Edmonton Oilers …
Dan Barnes of Edmonton Journal: As the trade deadline draws closer, Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli hinted at what his true needs are. He was more clear on involvement, however.
“I don’t think we’re quite ready to contend for the Cup,” he said Tuesday. “You never know. … So I just don’t see us being big players (at the deadline). He also said, “I don’t see us heavily involved” and “I don’t think it’s the right time.”
Barnes says based on performance that even an offensive defenseman is out of the question for now. Even a backup goalie is not there in the cards just yet. On the other hand, a checking center who can win face-offs is a significant need. Brian Boyle and Martin Hanzal could fit that bill.
Frank Seravalli and Dave Poulin on TSN: They debate the pros and cons of Edmonton making a trade.
Seravalli feels that Edmonton should make a deal and that this is the perfect time. Hanzal and Boyle are targets along with perhaps other needs as well.
Poulin disagrees with that assertion reflecting the apprehensive nature of most general managers currently.
Jim Matheson of Edmonton Journal: The Connor McDavid extension will be talked about along with other players. However, in the now, there is one possible target.
“If I’m Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, I pursue goalie Jaroslav Halak, buried on the Islanders farm, as a security blanket for Cam Talbot even if he has another year at a $4.5-million cap hit. The Isles would eat some of that contract to dump it and the Oilers can leave Halak exposed in the expansion draft or try to trade him at the draft. He’s a starter, not an NHL backup.”
Matheson points out that the Islanders would have to retain salary (maybe half). Short term this is something that would solve the backup goalie problem. More moves may come later but for this trade deadline, a capable second goalie could help.