Where there is smoke, well there is usually fire. Currently, there is a lot of smoke regarding the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers, specifically surrounding Cam Talbot and his availability.
Talbot has been mentioned many times on this blog, namely here, here, here and, finally, here. He’ll be moved by the NHL’s entry draft next weekend, that much we know. The only questions are where Talbot ends up, and for what assets.
Darren Dreger chimed in on Thursday morning with the latest.
@DarrenDreger: Cam Talbot is a hot commodity. Edmtn, Cgy, SJ, Dallas + Florida have expressed interest. Multiple trade offers. First 3 most likely targets.
Dreger would later add the Buffalo Sabres to this list, but he would reinforce the fact that Edmonton, Calgary and San Jose are the most “eager” to get something done here. Interesting to see the Flames, who have Jonas Hiller and Kari Ramo, in this discussion.
16th Overall?:
I’m on the record saying that if you don’t trade the 16th overall pick for a top-four defender, then you shouldn’t trade it at all. I stand by that today, but I’m getting a littler nervous about it. Murray Pam mentioned about a week ago that he heard the Oilers might be willing to part with the pick in a deal for Talbot.
Fast forward to Thursday, and Larry Brooks of the New York Post mentioned the pick yet again. The quote on it is below, while the full piece is here.
It is unknown whether the Oilers have put the No. 16 overall selection on the table, but The Post has been told Edmonton continues to be aggressive in pursuit of Henrik Lundqvist’s understudy, who has gone 33-15-5 in 53 starts over his two NHL seasons.
A Little Sense:
Our pal Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, however, doubts that Edmonton would move the pick for Talbot. He did a radio hit on Thursday afternoon and said the following. (Quote via Chris Nichols on Twitter. Tweet is here.)
@NicholsOnHockey: Friedman on SN 960: “I’m not convinced Edmonton is going to trade the 16 pick” for Cam Talbot.
#Oilers#NYR
We should hope Elliotte is right. Talbot is a good bet, one that I can get behind. That said, he’s a risk, one that could be obtained for less than the 16th overall pick surely. No need to overpay here.
Yakupov?:
No real reputable people (at least that I’ve seen) have suggested this, but I’ll touch on it regardless. A lot of people are suggesting Yakupov could be dealt for Talbot straight up, mostly Rangers fans. Folks, there is a small chance that happens. Yakupov is on a value deal, has a massive amount of potential, and looked good post-Eakins.
Our friend Lowetide mentioned Yakupov potentially going the other way in a bigger deal, which I could see. Just for Talbot, as some Ranger fans have suggested? Not a chance.
Marincin?:
Jim Matheson had the following on twitter on Thursday, which also made me a little uneasy.
@NHLbyMatty: If Edm in on Cam Talbot, can’t see them offering more than 33rd overall pick and, say, D-man Martin Marincin.
#oilers.
Personally, I think that is too much. Marincin is a solid, cheap NHL defender who could provide Edmonton with value in the line-up next season. On top of that, he could provide the Oilers with a trade chip for a top-four defender, which will cost much more than an unproven starting goaltender.
Unless the Rangers were sending a defender with Talbot, likely Keith Yandle or Kevin Klein, I’d be hard-pressed to move Marincin in the deal.
Finals Thoughts:
I stand by my original price from earlier this week. I’d offer the 33rd overall pick and a pick in the 2016 draft for Talbot. If the Rangers take it, perfect. If not, there are other options on the free agent and trade market, no sleep lost.
I will say this, Talbot represents the best bet Edmonton could make, and might be the best goalie on the market. His .926 SV% this year and .941 mark last year show that he can play in this league. He was also very good for the Rangers when King Henrik went down, and was arguably the second half MVP for the blueshirts.
Darren Dreger said that Talbot is the name that Chiarelli “has in his crosshairs” right now. There’s a lot of smoke surrounding Cam Talbot.
Will he be the first domino to fall? Will Edmonton have their new starting goalie in place by the draft next week? It’s certainly looking like that’s the plan.
More as it happens.
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