Sunday Rumor Funday

We are now within 72 hours of the NHL’s trading deadline, meaning rumors are going to be popping up left and right involving almost every team in the league. The Oilers saw themselves popping up in two rather interesting ones earlier today, both compliments of NHL insider and Ottawa Sun writer Bruce Garrioch.

Chris Philips:

The veteran Senator, a pending UFA, is a big, tough, stay-at-home defender. Just what the Oilers need right? Not quite, he’s pretty much a second Andrew Ference, so a decent number four/five that shouldn’t be playing any higher in the lineup. If the Oilers were to acquire him, he’d likely see an increase in ice time that will bring a decrease in results.

Philips has said he would like to stay in Ottawa many times, and that is very understandable. He’s played his entire career there, and has grown close with the city and organization. If he were to be traded, he’d likely be going to a team trying to win a Stanley Cup, not one limping to the finish line as Edmonton currently is.

Sure, Philips is a decent fit in terms of his build and style, but he’s not exactly a good fit in terms that he is NOT a top-pairing defender, not even close at this stage of his career. The Oilers are better off waiting until the summer and just signing him as a free agent than trading assets for a player that very well could walk come July 1st.

I like seeing Craig MacTavish pursue actual NHL players and possible solutions, but for right now I’d leave this one alone. Chris Philips isn’t the guy the Oilers need at this moment.

Andrei Markov:

This one intrigues me quite a bit. Markov is a slightly older defender, but he is what the Oilers could use right now. He’s a good puck-mover, has a decent shot, is a proven 20-25 minute a night guy, and has played with young defenders of the same mold as Justin Schultz (PK Subban). He’s a little bit older sure, but he can still play, and I believe is a top-pairing defender.

How long will he remain a top-pairing guy? I’m not sure, he might only have two more years in that role, but it’s better than what Edmonton has in that spot currently. He’s not what one would call a stud, but he is a very good defender that can be trusted night in and night out. He’d easily be on the Oilers top-pairing next season.

Markov is looking for a three-year deal from the Habs, who are only willing to go two years with him. I’d imagine the Oilers are willing to give into what ever contract demands Markov has, and that’s likely in the neighborhood of a three year deal worth $4-$5.5 M.

As for return, the Ottawa Sun article cited that the Habs will likely be looking for a prospect and a pick. Remember last night we mentioned how the Habs were scouting the Barons recently, so maybe there is some fire to this smoke. Could Taylor Fedun, and say a 2015 2nd round pick get it done?

Ilya Bryzgalov:

The rumor came out from Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild beat writer, that the team had been offered goalie Ilya Bryzgalov by the Edmonton Oilers. This makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Wild, due to injury concerns with both Josh Harding and Nik Backstrom, need some goaltending help, while Edmonton is likely looking to add a better veteran to play with Ben Scrivens next season.

We can now add Bryzgalov to the list of Oilers actively being shopped around the NHL. The thought was always there regarding Bryz, but now we know for sure he is on the market.

The Outlook:

There is an underlying story here. It’s more than likely that Andrei Markov and Chris Philips never play a game for the Oilers, but it’s worth noting that Craig MacTavish is looking for some veteran defenders to help lead this team back into the playoff picture in years to come. That’s a good sign, as defense is by far the weakest point on the Oilers depth chart.

Philips doesn’t exactly make much sense, but Andrei Markov does. If the Habs are willing to move Markov and he is willing to come to Edmonton, it could be a very good match for both sides.

It’ll be an interesting few days in Oil Country, buckle up my friends.