Moments ago, news broke that free agents Milan Lucic and Jason Demers will both be in Edmonton today. Lucic and Demers are two of TSN’s top ten free agents.
These two players also have history with Peter Chiarelli and Todd McLellan: Chiarelli was Lucic’s general manger in Boston, and McLellan was Demers’ coach in San Jose.
First, Ryan Rishaug tweeted that the Oilers have had “conversations” with Lucic and Demers:
Can confirm Reps from both Lucic and Demers have had conversations with Oiler management among other teams.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 28, 2016
On the heels of that tweet came another by Pierre LeBrun, stating that Lucic and Demers are expected to meet with Peter Chiarelli et al today in Edmonton:
UFA blue-liner Jason Demers and UFA winger Milan Lucic both scheduled to be in Edmonton today as Oilers sell them both on their market/team
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2016
Rishaug added that Lucic might insist on a six-year contract, which will scare away some teams:
6th year may be key in Lucic deal. Would guess he will insist on it. May be more than some teams would be willing to do.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 28, 2016
Finally, Darren Dreger followed up Rishaug’s tweet about Lucic and Demers with one that will certainly cause many Oiler fains to panic:
Oilers also among teams with interest in Kris Russell. Makes sense to investigate all D possibilities.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2016
My take: Demers is a top four, right shot defenceman, which the Oilers desperately need. I’m in favour of signing him to a reasonable deal.
The problem with signing Lucic is that it’s going to cost a lot and it creates a logjam at left wing. One of Pouliot or Hall would then need to be traded. If signing Lucic means trading Hall, I’m against it.
What about Russell? Please don’t do it, Chiarelli!
It’s getting serious, folks.
We wait.
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