2 prime trade targets come off the block for the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Sources have reported that the Blue jackets are no longer available and have been removed from the trade-board.
Oilers' trade-targets no longer available
As many insiders had predicted, NHL GM's are using this Olympic break to work the phones and get a head start on the trade-deadline.
Because of the roster-freeze that began February 4th and end February 24th, teams have less time to implement their trade-strategies, so it pays to be ready for when the freeze ends, after which you'll likely see some intense trade-activity.
In the meantime, it seems that several Oilers' trade-targets have come off the board. Sources report that Columbus GM Don Waddell is negotiating extensions for Mason Marchment, Boone Jenner, and Charlie Coyle.
“With the way the team has played since [Rick] Bowness got hired and where they are in the standings now", a source reported, "I’m hearing a lot less chatter around Coyle, Marchment, and Jenner. Regardless of whether they’re signed to extensions before the Olympic break ends, they’re off the trade market heading into the trade deadline. Waddell is just going to ride with them and add to the roster so they can make it into the playoffs.”
All three are big forwards that play with physicality, traits Edmonton is hoping to add to their roster before the March 6 trade-deadline.
Though the Olympics break narrows the amount of time GM's have to finalize deals, it also gives them more time to negotiate extensions for players that might have been marginal before the roster-freeze began.
In the meantime, all eyes are currently on the Olympics at the moment; but you can rest assured that NHL GMs are working their networks to land the best possible trade.
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