Pacific Notes: Ferland, Oilers, Kemp

The future of Canucks winger Micheal Ferland remains uncertain, notes Postmedia’s Ben Kuzma.  The veteran has been plagued by concussion-like symptoms and left the postseason bubble when they resurfaced again although he hasn’t given up on giving it another shot.  GM Jim Benning indicated that they’re still trying to evaluate if he’ll be cleared to try to participate in camp:

He’s trying to work through it with our doctors now.  As we get closer to figuring out when we’re going to play, we’ll figure something out.

Ferland has three years left on his contract worth $3.5MM and the Canucks are already very tight to the cap ceiling.  If he isn’t cleared to play, they would be eligible to put him on LTIR and get some cap relief until he is given the green light (if it happens) which would give them a bit of extra flexibility as they figure out the last few roster spots on what is a relatively deep group of forwards.

More from the Pacific Division:

• The Oilers are likely to bring in a veteran defenseman on a PTO deal once camps get underway, suggests Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal. Some of their prospects overseas who would seem to have an inside track for a roster spot have had their progress derailed due to injury or virus-related postponements.  Accordingly, having a veteran in camp to serve as extra depth makes a lot of sense to hedge their bets.  It was only two seasons ago that Edmonton went that route and ultimately signed Jason Garrison so GM Ken Holland could very well opt to try that approach again.
• Still with Edmonton, the Oilers are working towards finding a place in Europe for recently-signed defenseman Phil Kemp, reports Postmedia’s Jim Matheson (Twitter link). The 21-year-old inked his entry-level deal earlier this week after his senior season at Yale was shuttered.  At this point, opportunities overseas are largely limited although Matheson adds there are a couple being considered.  If more teams bring back players for training camp – Kemp is unlikely to contend for a spot on the NHL roster so he may not be invited to camp – there may be other spots to open up in the days and weeks to come.