The Edmonton Oilers, after some rumors about getting a deal done with the LA Kings, have dealt winger Teddy Purcell to the Florida Panthers in their second deal of the day on Saturday. The return on Purcell is a 3rd round pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft.
Peter Chiarelli and company made their decision on Purcell, a pending UFA, and it’s a decision that really isn’t surprising. In 61 games this season, Purcell has registered 32 points and is likely to hit 40 this season. He’s not a sexy player in the since that he won’t drive a line and he’s not a superstar, but he is a solid player. Purcell is a complimentary player who plays well with skill. He had good chemistry with both Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl this season.
Personally, I believe that Purcell is a top six forward in the NHL and I was hopeful the team would re-sign him, but alas he was not in the plans moving forward. This now opens up a spot in the top nine for Peter Chiarelli to add a heavier player this off-season. I’d imagine that we see an outside hire through trade or free agency to replace this player in the off-season.
As for the return, it isn’t spectacular but it also isn’t really surprising. Purcell is a rental player who will likely test the market this summer for his last true contract in the NHL. He’s a complimentary player and can be replaced. A 3rd round pick isn’t anything special, but it’s decent value. I thought Edmonton would get a second, but it wasn’t meant to be here.
The Oilers will now have two picks in both the 3rd and 5th rounds of the upcoming entry draft, along with picks in all other rounds. This team will have some ammo to use when it heads to Buffalo in late June, nine picks to be exact.
I’ll call this deal a wash. I was hoping for a second round pick or a prospect and the Oilers got close. If they decided that Purcell wasn’t in the plans, and I believe that to be the case, then getting an asset for him is a solid decision.
The changing of the roster in Edmonton continues and I don’t think it’s close to ending. Justin Schultz, rumored to be going to LA with Purcell in the deal that fell through, is still on the block. According to Dave Molinari, the Penguins remain interested in the defender.
Penguins, who are looking to add a defenseman, remain interested in Edmonton’s Justin Schultz.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) February 27, 2016
As for the reason for the Kings/Oilers deal falling through, Bob McKenzie believes it is because a prospect currently in the KHL’s status was uncertain.
Uncertainty over Prokhorin’s availability obviously kaiboshed the Purcell/Schultz trade to LA.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 27, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsMore to come I’m sure.
UPDATED 6:47 P.M. est: The Oilers deal with Florida is now official. The hold up was the fact that Florida had already traded a 2016 3rd round pick to New Jersey as part of the Jagr deal last season. Edmonton will receive the lower pick between Minnesota’s and Florida’s in the third round this June. The Oil now have three picks in the third round.
There you go. NJ receives higher selection of this one or MIN’s. https://t.co/9laDZLtbNU
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 27, 2016
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