The Edmonton Oilers are six points out of a playoff spot. They’re also just two points out of last place in the Western Conference and just 3-5-2 in their last ten games. Despite that, interim GM Keith Gretzky is still hoping his team can be buyers at the trade deadline. Gretzky spoke on several topics with Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic (subscription required) including his hope for the playoffs this season.
The team has six games remaining before the trade deadline and will have to go on quite a run to really prove that they are contenders in the Western Conference. While you can’t rule anything out when a team has Connor McDavid driving the charge, it’s tough to imagine the Oilers competing with the top contenders in the NHL.
- Matt Duchene’s agent spoke with Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion again today according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, but still nothing is decided on whether the pending free agent will re-sign or not. Duchene’s decision is likely holding up the entire trade market, given he would likely become the most desirable center available if he chooses to be dealt. The Senators would love to keep their prized forward, but Duchene has to decide whether he wants to go through another rebuild. Even their owner doesn’t believe the team will be competitive until 2021.
- Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic was on TSN radio recently and wanted to remind people that Jeff Skinner likely won’t be traded away from the Buffalo Sabres, but not necessarily because of an extension. Skinner has a full no-movement clause that came with him even though he waived it to come to Buffalo in the first place. As CapFriendly pointed out today on Twitter, players normally keep the clause even if they waive it for a single trade.