When we talk about players that Edmonton might move between now and the deadline, the list is small. Jeff Petry and Viktor Fasth seem like certain goners, while Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon are possible, but unlikely. If we expand the list to players that could be gone by next season, Jordan Eberle, Nail Yakupov, Nikita Nikitin and Justin Schultz realistically join the list.
One name not mentioned? Andrew Ference. Why? Even though he is a decent NHL’er, Ference has a big contract that goes on for two more seasons, and has a NMC, making a trade pretty tough. Besides, Edmonton LOVES the whole character guy thing and he is the captain. Rumors about this haven’t existed either, until Tuesday that is.
TheFourthPeriod’s David Pagnotta tweeted the following from his twitter (@TheFourthPeriod) on Tuesday afternoon:
“Yakupov, Eberle, Hall, RNH, Ference have definitely generated interest, but unless right deal is there, unlikely move is made by deadline”
“Ference has a no-move clause, but you never know. Would he waive? Could be a darkhorse come deadline day. But with 2 years left after this year, team will have to pay up to pry Ference from Oilers.”
“Don’t kid yourselves, plenty of teams would welcome Ference. If right offer comes along, and he’s willing to waive NMC, you never know.”
Now, Pagnotta isn’t saying that Ference is certainly going to be moved, but he is saying that teams are showing interest in him, and that if Edmonton gets the right offer than they may be okay with dealing him away before the trade deadline.
It makes sense too that teams would be interested. For all the heat Ference takes, he’s still a solid NHL player, and has actually gotten better this season for Edmonton. He’s a good third pairing defender who plays a solid stay-at-home game, plays physical, and provides some solid leadership.
Those qualities are lacking in Edmonton, and he does have a spot with this team, but moving him makes a lot of sense too. Ference is overpaid, making over $3 M per season with the Oilers, and Edmonton likely isn’t going to be good in the next two seasons. It isn’t like moving him will kill the process in Edmonton, and it would free up some valuable space on the cap for this off-season.
Personally, I’d keep Andrew Ference around, and I think Edmonton will, but if the right deal is there, you have to consider it. I’d imagine that Craig MacTavish will.
Now, what is the right deal? That’s up for debate to be honest. I can’t see Ference bringing much in return, but Pagnotta certainly made it feel like Edmonton won’t just be giving Ference up in a deal. I’d be happy with a 3rd round pick, but I suspect Edmonton might try getting a second in 2016 and a prospect for Ference.
The odds Edmonton gets a roster player for Ference? Slim to none, but if teams gets desperate enough, a second this year, a third and a prospect, or a second next year and a low-level prospect might not be out of the realm of possibility.
Who would be interested? I’d imagine a few teams, but where would Ference waive his NMC for? Obviously, the Boston Bruins come to mind, and they need defense. That said, Ference’s contract is likely an issue, so Edmonton would have to eat some of it.
The New York Rangers, as always, come to mind, as do the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, who both are legit contenders to win the Cup and in need of defensive help.
Do I think an Andrew Ference trade gets done between now and the deadline? I do not, but it’s a new story-line that we can’t really totally ignore. It’s silly season part one, and nothing is off the table.
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