LET’S MAKE A DEAL: TAMBELLINI CAN’T SWING IT

LOS ANGELES — For 1970s game show host Monty Hall, it came easily. Not so much for Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, who tried mightily to make a deal to get another pick in the first round Friday, but ended up with the crate of lemons behind door No. 3.


It turns out that picking Taylor Hall first overall was the easy part of the day for Tambellini. Trying to strike a bargain for the second first-rounder he wanted? Not so much. Nothing. Nada. Zippo.


"We were really aggressive in the top half of the first round, like most teams," Tambellini said.
"But, as we got down into the second half, our scouts felt that we didn’t want to give up the picks. We’re going to have an important second round tomorrow. I’m looking forward to that, so we’re comfortable staying where we’re at."

Tambellini talked to Peter Chiarelli of the Boston Bruins early in the day about what it would take him to get the No. 2 pick. I’m told by a reliable source he made at least three pitches to Chiarelli in all — pitches that included Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle. No dice.

"I don’t know many times, but we did have some good discussions," said Tambellini of his pursuit of Boston’s pick. "By the end I knew that Peter really wanted to make the selection. It was important for his organization also, but it was worth a try."

Tambellini spoke to Florida’s Dale Tallon more than once, including a discussion over the 15th pick. No cigar. He worked the phone and the floor. Get outta town.

Rumour on the floor was Tambellini dangled Andrew Cogliano at Tallon trying to get the 15th pick. Los Angeles made a deal with Tallon and took Derek Forbort. Then, Ottawa traded the 16th pick to St. Louis. Pitch as he might this day, no deals.