"He played last year with an aggravated shoulder. He is waiting to see if the shoulder can get to the point where he doesn't need surgery. There is some unknown, and I'm waiting to hear his decision. Based on the info I have we won't have him or to start with." Holland on Klefbom
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Ken Holland breaks down the week ahead for the Edmonton Oilers
By Zach Laing
Oct 5, 2020, 14:47 EDTUpdated: Oct 5, 2020, 15:14 EDT
Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland spoke with the media Monday morning breaking down what should be one of the craziest weeks in NHL history.
Things kick off with the first round of the NHL draft Tuesday night at 5 p.m., followed by round two picking up Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. Edmonton
Edmonton holds the 14th overall pick, 76th overall, 138th overall pick, 169th overall pick and the 200th overall pick. Holland said it’s likely the Oilers use their third-round pick instead of giving it to Calgary.
Holland spoke about what the week ahead would look like, starting with an update on defenceman Oscar Klefbom.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that Klefbom is receiving treatment in Sweden and that surgery is the likely result. That would mean a length recovery process which could keep him out for the year. This is a huge story to continue to watch.
"We have some D-men who project well longterm, and we do have Nurse, Russell and Jones on the left side, but I will look at free agency and we'll see how we proceed." Holland on if Klefbom injury impacts what he does via trade or free agency.
"Why wait two months? If it was that easy, he would make that decision (to have surgery). He played with some pain, and we shut him down in February for nine games. He went to a specialist, and it isn't as simple as have surgery. He has seen a couple shoulder doctors." Holland.
When it comes to the 14th overall pick, the Oilers have a number of options available to them and it appears it won’t be used on a defenceman, Holland said. We’ll see who the Oilers like at 14 and if they’re available Tuesday night.
"I don't see us drafting a defenceman, based on who we have. Now, if we have a Dman on our list who slides to 14, we'd look at it, but I don't see it happening." Holland #2020Draft
When it comes to free agency, Holland said that’s his most likely way of addressing the Oilers goaltending situation. This is probably for the best, as reported asking prices for some goaltenders are far too high like with Pittsburgh asking for Edmonton’s 1st in a Matt Murray deal.
"If there is a player you want in free agency and he is in demand you either have to give him longer term than you want, or a higher cap it. Hard to avoid it." Holland on #freeagency
Holland says his priorities are still a goalie and a third line centre. #FreeAgency #Trades #Oilers
On @Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Holland spoke about the importance of him to the organization. He emphasized Nuge’s flexibility in the Oilers top-six and how he’d like to sign him longterm.
"Nuge is an important player on our team. I'd like to sign him longterm. Whether that happens with his agent this week or during the year, remains to be seen." Holland on Nugent-Hopkins. #Oilers
Holland also said he has a decision made on Andreas Athanasiou and Matt Benning, but wouldn’t divulge that. The Oilers have until Wednesday at 3 p.m. MST to offer them qualifying offers.
"I've talked to both of their agents and I know what I'm doing (but won't say what)." Holland on Athanasiou and Benning needing qualifying offers. I expect neither to be qualified, but rather trying to negotiate lower AAV.
On top of that, Holland said he wouldn’t comment on rumours the Oilers were interested in @Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
"It is rumour season. I can't comment on someone else's player, but I will say that some rumours are true, while others are just made up and not close to true." Holland on if he made offer for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. #Oilers
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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