NHL Notebook: Edmonton Oilers trade deadline moves need to be “dollar in, dollar out” says GM Ken Holland, and which team will take a shot on declining John Klingberg?
By Zach Laing
1 year agoNews flash: the Edmonton Oilers are tight to the salary cap.
It’s the world worst kept secret, and GM Ken Holland knows it.
He was on TSN’s Got Yer Back podcast Wednesday, where he had this to say about the team and their approach to the deadline.
“Whether it’s forwards or defense, it’s my job to be aware of who is available and eventually what the price might be. (Regardless) of names, we’re dollar in, dollar out, so (if) we start bringing in people with big cap numbers, we’re going to have to do some real gymnastics here to move people out. When you’re in a (long-term injury) situation like we are, it’s much more difficult at the trade deadline. I would like to do something. Am I convinced I will do something? I don’t know.”“Once Yamamoto comes off LTI and no one else goes on, I’ve got some real difficult decisions to make. All of our bottom-of-the-roster players are going to be involved in that decision to decide. They all can’t stay.”
Yamamoto, who has been working through concussion and neck injuries, is eligible to come off the injured reserve Saturday, and there’s word the Oilers could already have a trade in place to move out Jesse Puljujarvi. We’ll see what comes in the following days.
Who will take a shot on Klingberg?
John Klingberg was thought to be a defenceman that would be highly sought after last year in free agency. Instead, he waited until late July to sign a deal eventually landing with the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year, $7-million contract.
The belief was it would be a test-drive of sorts for both the team and Klingberg, and he could be a flippable asset at the trade deadline. The only issue? His game has regressed.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli writes that Klingberg could be a low-cost addition for teams at the deadline listing the Seattle Kraken, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames as potential fits.
Given the visible limitations in Klingberg’s game, it’s incredibly hard to envision him fetching Anaheim a first-round pick. The other complicating factor is most contending teams will have to use a third-party broker, which will only increase the acquisition cost by another asset.Since Klingberg isn’t a strong, physical defender, his return will likely be significantly lower. The Ducks will undoubtedly be asking for a second-round pick, but any team paying that price will likely be basing their decision on name and reputation.…Partnered with the right player and used to quarterback a team’s top power play with stars, Klingberg could add an offensive boost at the deadline. Given his struggles elsewhere, the price should not be a first-round pick, but at this point in the season it only takes one team to get desperate.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
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