Well we are now under 12 hours away from the free agent frenzy. I’ll make this one quick and put it in quick hit form. Here’s the latest involving the Edmonton Oilers…
Horcoff To Dallas: The Oilers and Stars agreed to a deal on Thursday that sends Oilers ex-captain and center Shawn Horcoff to Dallas in exchange for a 7th round pick in 2016 and defender Philip Larsen. Larsen projects to be at best a 7th defender in Edmonton this season, but long term he has the potential to be a guy that can help the team.
While Horcoff is still a good player, it was clear he and the Oilers needed to split up, and this will be a perfect chance for both sides. The Oilers clear Horcoff’s entire contract off the books, opening up some serious cap space to play with. It truly is a win-win deal for both sides.
Clarkson Visits Edmonton: Free agent power-forward David Clarkson visited Edmonton Thursday according to TSN’s Aaron Ward, and rumor is he was impressed by the city and the team. Clarkson is exactly what Edmonton needs too, a big, physical, power-forward with good possession numbers and a scoring touch.
With the Oilers out on the Nathan Horton front, its not surprising to see them go all in for Clarkson, who would fill a pretty large hole on the roster. His price tag might be too much though, and whether or not he ends up in Edmonton could depend on that tag.
Toronto and Ottawa are also in the mix here big time.
MacArthur In Edmonton: Clarkson on Thursday, MacArthur on Wednesday. The Team 1260’s Jason Gregor reported today that winger Clarke MacArthur was in town visiting the Oilers Wednesday afternoon. MacArthur knows new Oiler coach Dallas Eakins quite well, and actually grew up an Oilers fan. Add to that the fact that he fills a hole, and the connection is clear.
MacArthur could be a real good fall back plan for the Oilers should they strike out on Clarkson, or he could be their main target, that’s unknown right now. MacArthur has been a guy I’ve mentioned for months as someone I’d like to see in Edmonton, and I’m glad the Oilers appear to possibly agree with me there.
The Penguins are interested too, and I’m sure a few other teams will show some interest in MacArthur when teams can extend offers at noontime.
Andrew Ference?: Adrian Dater of the Denver Post claimed Thursday evening that the Oilers were keenly interested in Bruins defender Andrew Ference as a free agent target. Bob Stauffer and Jason Gregor have both since mentioned it, and I believe it is a very legit and realistic situation that Ference ends up in Edmonton.
That being said, people need to understand something. Andrew Ference is a third pairing defender, and no longer a top four guy at this level. If the plan is to play him with Belov and move Nick Schultz, then fine, get him signed. If the plan is to sign Ference and play him in the top four with J. Schultz, Smid and Petry, then the Oilers are already at a disadvantage for any kind of playoff spot.
Should be interesting to see what happens with Ference. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he does sign with Edmonton.
Coburn Watch: Yes, we are still talking about this. The Flyers signed Vinny Lecavalier earlier this week, and appear close to signing Ray Emery to a deal. The Flyers are over the cap, and need to shed something. Coburn is the perfect fit, considering the Flyers have so many high-priced defenders.
The Oilers and Flyers have been talking since the draft, and the two sides reportedly came pretty close last weekend to hammering something out. I still believe that they will work something out, and Coburn will be wearing orange and blue next season.
Hemsky: Don’t forget about Hemmer! Ales Hemsky will be the next big name leaving Edmonton (we all think) and that could happen sooner rather than later. After the top guys are off the free agent market, there will be teams that are left without any prizes and looking to make a splash. Those teams are the ones that will be calling for and trading for Hemsky.
Ottawa still sticks out to me as the most likely landing spot for Ales, but Columbus makes a ton of sense if they lose out on Nathan Horton.
Hemsky has more trade value than people think, and he’ll bring something immediate back to the Oilers.
Belanger Buy-out: The Oilers placed Eric Belanger on unconditional waivers Thursday for the purpose of a buy-out. This shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone, as Belanger’s two years in Edmonton were nothing short of a disaster. Anton Lander could replace him on the fourth line next season, but it’s just as likely a veteran like Marty Reasoner is signed for that role.
We’ll be live blogging all the Oilers rumors and news for the free agent frenzy starting at noontime est. on Friday! See you then!
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