Oilers Deadline Eve Updates

Buckle up friends, we are now less than 24 hours from the NHL’s annual trading deadline. The rumors are flying, and the Oilers might actually be more active than we once thought they would. What’s the latest? Let’s take a look.

Jeff Petry:

He was a healthy scratch last night and is likely done as an Oiler. The Lightning and Red Wings are interested, we’ve heard that from places like The Fourth Period (here too) and Sportsnet, but we are now hearing about more teams interested. The Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and even the St. Louis Blues are rumored to be interested.

This deal will happen, it’s just a matter of return and of destination. Personally, I think Petry ends up with Montreal for a pick and a prospect. I’ll be hoping for something a little more, but I’m prepared to be disappointed.

Andrew Ference:

@DarrenDreger: Oilers getting calls on their captain, Andrew Ference. Ference has no-move clause and hasn’t been asked (yet) if he would waive. Still early

That’s from Darren Dreger earlier on Sunday morning. We heard from The Fourth Period about two weeks ago about this, and now it’s picking up even more steam. The Red Wings and Penguins were named by TFP on their list of the top-25 players in play.

I’d say Edmonton would get a pick or another bad contract coming back, which doesn’t seem like a lot for a captain. The thing is, Ference is an overpaid player who is, at this point, a number five defender. The main asset for Edmonton? It would be cap space, which would be very useful this coming summer.

I still doubt Ference gets moved, but if the option is there, Edmonton should take it. This move hasn’t worked out, which is sad, because I really do like Ference as a guy.

Oilers And Leafs?:

TVA’s Renaud Lavoie tweeted the following on Sunday morning:

@renlavoietva: Oilers are looking for goaltenders. They were looking at what the Maple Leafs goalies in the last few weeks. #tvasports

The Leafs have James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier on their roster, and likely would be willing to move one of the two. The Oilers obviously have a hole in net, and the Leafs are entering a rebuild. A move between the sides makes a lot of sense.

Reimer, this season, has a .906 SV% in 25 games. Last year, he had a .911 SV% in 36 games, and in 2012-13 he had a .924 SV% in 33 games. He’s been decent over his NHL career, but he’s certainly not a high level starter.

Bernier, meanwhile, posted a .922 SV% in both the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, playing in 14 games in 2012-13 and 55 games last season. This year, he’s struggled a little bit, posting a .915 SV% in 43 games. That’s still a good mark, however, and would easily be the best on the Oilers.

Neither of these guys are established NHL starters, but both of them have good things to their game. Personally, I like Bernier a little bit more, and I do think he will eventually be a solid NHL starter. That being said, I doubt the Leafs move him. As for Reimer, I like him, but I don’t think he is the answer for Edmonton.

Personally, I’d like to see Edmonton go after D Dion Phaneuf, who would fill a huge hole for the Oilers on the blue-line. I know he isn’t a popular name, but he would help. Hey, a guy can dream.

Keith Aulie:

Aulie was placed on waivers, which is a bit of a shock to me. Petry is likely being moved, and Ference could be moved too. If Aulie gets claimed or sent to OKC, that would leave Edmonton with five defenders on the NHL roster. Either Edmonton wants to give Martin Gernat, Dillon Simpson, or David Musil a chance, or the Oilers plan on acquiring a defender.

It might mean nothing, but it’s an interesting development. I’d be shocked if Aulie doesn’t clear waivers, for the record.

More as it happens. Follow me on twitter @Alex_Thomas14, as I’ll have updates and posts all throughout the deadline.