- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slap Shot: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1260 on how it could busy week leading up to the draft.
“Yeah, it could be. Certainly there’s a lot of chatter. Sometimes the chatter doesn’t translate into actual transactions, but the level of chatter right now that I’m hearing is extremely volatile. It’s extremely high. We’ll see where it leads.
“One of the reasons why it gathers steam this particular week is because of the draft, is because there are teams that are trading players and want to get either a first or second round pick in return. And so therefore that introduces a trigger element, timing-wise. But Friday’s the first round, Saturday’s the second round, so if we’re doing this deal – let’s go. Otherwise this would just go on all summer, with the chicken dance. But there is a time crunch here for certain trades to get done if teams are able to get what they want.
“And don’t forget, this isn’t just another draft. Getting a late first round pick this year means a lot more than other years, given the depth of this draft. So that’s why there’s a lot of play here.”
- LeBrun on how offer sheets can build tension between teams and that the Oilers discussed one for Dougie Hamilton.
“Well, they get personal. And that’s why – I mean, how much fun would it be if Peter Chiarelli in your town slapped an offer sheet on Dougie Hamilton, just given his own personal history – recent history – with the Bruins after being fired.
“But I mean, if it does happen – that wouldn’t be why. Peter Chiarelli always puts his team’s needs ahead of him and the reality is if Edmonton ever did that – I’m not sure they will, but the only thing I do know is they’ve talked about it internally. But they may, like a lot of teams, they may end up thinking it’s not worth the hassle.
“But if they ever do – I mean, who’s going to argue the Oilers don’t need a top young defenseman (laughs)? It would definitely be a need and it would make sense.”