- Jim Matheson and Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers have told Sheldon Souray not to attend training camp. GM Steve Tambellini also made it clear that Souray won’t be with the team at all this season. Souray asked for trade at the end of last season. He’s under contract for 2 more years, at a cap hit of $5.4 million.From Sheldon Souray:
“Master of the obvious … I guess they don’t want this to be a distraction,”
“I wouldn’t be a distraction … I was planning on coming in, planning on being focused and ready to do whatever to be a professional,” said Souray, who is back in town skating with the other Oilers at Kinsmen Arena.
“Why would I have been a distraction? I’m a professional. No one is more anxious to get back on the ice and get myself back to the player I know I can be.”
The Oilers have been trying to trade Souray for months but with no luck. The Oilers could send him to the AHL, but if a trade is worked out, he’d have to clear re-entry waivers where any team could claim him and only pay half the contract, the Oilers paying the other half. The Oilers probably don’t want to pay 1/2 his salary.
Souray says he’s over his concussion and broken hand, and feels 100%.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Doesn’t see the Oilers paying 1/2 his salary on re-entry waivers, they balked at buying him out. The Oilers are looking for a defenseman or a 2nd round pick in return.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Doesn’t make much sense to tell him not to report to training camp as it’s easier to trade someone who is playing.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Thinks re-entry waivers is the best option for Souray.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Has been told that they are not close on a trade involving Souray.