Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks that head coach Ralph Krueger’s job is safe. There have been four coaching changes in the last six years. The Oilers could look to trade Ales Hemsky and his $5 million salary, possibly picking up part of his contract to move him. Eric Belanger and his $1.75 million will be on the block. Matheson doesn’t see the Oilers re-signing Ryan Whitney. They will probably re-sign one of Mark Fistric or Theo Peckham. Sam Gagner, RFA, is going to want a new deal in the $4.5 million to $5 million range. Do they re-sign him for that or flip him for a bigger winger or center? They could buyout Ryan Smyth or see if he’d be fine with playing only 40 games.
Oilers press conference yesterday for the firing of GM Steve Tambellini and hiring of Craig MacTavish.
