On the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportnet: Though neither side would confirm it, the Oilers and Devils discussed smaller options before they made the Taylor Hall – Adam Larsson trade. The Oilers have had some interest in Eric Gelinas (now with Colorado) and Jon Merrill.
Devils GM Ray Shero said that teams called him about Larsson when he first took over the GM role, but nobody called at last year’s deadline.
“A few teams asked me about him after I took the job, but we weren’t really interested,” Shero said. “And no one at the deadline asked about Adam at all. I told teams the only way I’m moving him is if it really makes sense. We don’t have to do this.”
This offseason the Oilers were believed to been looking at Kevin Shattenkirk, Justin Faulk, Tyson Barrie and Matt Dumba.
Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli initially asked the Devils for more than just Larsson, but Shero held firm as they were taking an extra $1.8 million in salary.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
News 1130 Sports: Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev on the offseason trade rumors: “I keep to myself and really don’t follow social media, I’m happy to be a Canuck.” Tanev said he appreciated GM Jim Benning calling him to squash the rumors: “I’m happy Jim called to reassure me.”
On the Winnipeg Jets …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on the Winnipeg Jets and RFA Jacob Trouba situation.
“I wish I had something firm… There’s just not a lot going on,” said Dreger. “What continues to be the case – and I respect the position of all involved – is that his agent, Kurt Overhardt, along with Kevin Cheveldayoff and ownership, including Mark Chipman, have just vowed that they’re not going to play this negotiation out in the media.
“So I don’t get the sense that there’s anything going on. What I do know, and I’m sure you guys have talked about this on the show, is that the majority, if not all, of the rumors that we’ve heard about – including one more recently where Trouba allegedly doesn’t like Winnipeg, doesn’t want to play for the Jets, and all of that – is, I’m told, nonsense by those most active in that negotiation.”
