On the Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Wescott of Oilers.NHL: Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli on his top priority.
“It’s no secret we’re in the market for a defenceman, and we’re fully engaged and we’ve got a pretty high pick,” said Chiarelli. “It’s actually been exciting and it will ramp up (Friday).”
Chiarelli is looking for a Dman that can play on the right side, and he doesn’t have to be a right-handed shot.
The chances of the Oilers keeping the No. 4 pick is better than 50 percent.
“I’ve had discussions that include that pick,” said Chiarelli. “We’re looking at all different options including making that pick, trading down, including that pick in a trade for a defenceman. I’m looking at all those options. I’ve had discussions with teams on all those options.”
The Oilers are getting lots of trade calls leading up to the draft.
DJ Bean: Milan Lucic said that he’d be open to idea of reuniting with Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton.
On the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin on what it would take to get the Canadiens to trade P.K. Subban.
“You never say never … I mean if somebody offered half their team I might be able to make it work, but it’s not my intention to do so,” said Bergevin, who really can’t understand why Subban’s name keeps coming up. “He’s a different person, off the ice he’s busy. He performs, he works, he’s on time. He’s great in the community.”
Matheson doesn’t think the Oilers will trade for Subban. The Oilers need to add a defenseman, but Subban appears to be off the market.
The Oilers have the No. 4 draft pick and either Taylor Hall or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to offer up. Leon Draisaitl would interest the Canadiens. In the draft, the Canadiens like Pierre-Luc Dubois.
“It’s no secret we’re in the market for a defenceman and we’re fully engaged in that and we have a pretty high (draft) pick,” said Chiarelli. “I’ve had offers for it and I’m listening. I wouldn’t rule it out.”