NHL insider places personal blame for Oilers and Lightning trade falling through
Photo credit: Tampa Bay Times
The Edmonton Oilers have been heavily rumoured to be in trade talks to acquire Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning, but one insider says ego is getting in the way of a trade.
The Oilers have been linked to acquiring the 21 year old Howard, the former 31st overall draft pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning who is currently refusing to sign with the team. Edmonton's looking to get much younger, and Howard could be a top 6 player for years to come.
NHL insider claims Tampa Bay arrogance is blocking trade with Oilers
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli on a recent episode of the Kevin Karius show, the Oilers have fully meet the Lightning's trade price, but Tampa Bay is declining out of arrogance that they could get more.
The Oilers, to my understanding, had told Tampa that they that they could and would do a late first round pick in exchange for Howard's rights. And that apparently wasn't good enough. Again, there's a clock ticking to this. If they lose Howard's rights, if he doesn't sign next August, they're going to get a late second round it's the last pick of the second round compensatory pick.
So you if you're (Tampa GM) Julian BriseBois, while you want to do a lot better than that, right? And I don't know why, a late first, because that's what Howard was to begin with. Doesn't just square you off and make you whole. But it seems like the arrogance of the Tampa Bay Lightning are what's gotten in the way with this player.
- Frank Seravalli
So you if you're (Tampa GM) Julian BriseBois, while you want to do a lot better than that, right? And I don't know why, a late first, because that's what Howard was to begin with. Doesn't just square you off and make you whole. But it seems like the arrogance of the Tampa Bay Lightning are what's gotten in the way with this player.
- Frank Seravalli
It's not often you hear such detailed reports of a declined trade, and it's possible there's some harsh feelings with the story leaking to insiders.
Considering the Oilers made the tough decision to part with a first round draft pick for an unproven asset, and still had their offer declined with Tampa tried to prove more away from them, is just bad faith trading by Lightning GM BriseBois.
At this point it remains to be seen if the Oilers and Lightning will be able to pull off this trade. If it happens, Edmonton may have to cave and pay up more to get Howard.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 4 | 401 ANSWERS NHL insider places personal blame for Oilers and Lightning trade falling through Will the Oilers finish a trade for Isaac Howard? | ||
| Yes | 204 | 50.9 % |
| No | 197 | 49.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
