What’s Taking So Long?

Early summer has given way to mid-summer, and the truth is that a long walk these days will reveal a few leaves beginning to turn. We’re reaching a point where the unsigned restricted free agents should be getting signed. Unless. Unless there’s a problem.

The Edmonton Oilers have three restricted free agents who remain unsigned: Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano and Liam Reddox. According to capgeek, the first two are among 5 rfa’s making one million or more who remain unsigned. In recent days we’ve heard both Gagner and Cogliano express that they’re eager to sign and get to training camp. Cogliano added that he is confident that he’ll return to the Oilers (if trade rumors had value he’d be Gretzky).

The other 3 rfa’s among the top 5 (Carey Price, Bobby Ryan, Peter Mueller) and Martin Hanzal (6th on the list) are all what we could consider important parts on their respective team machines. Its still early, but not that early. If this week slides into next and Gagner and Cogliano remain unsigned then I think it is fair to assume that money (or something else) is in play. Gagner and Cogliano are important players to the Edmonton Oilers, and getting them signed in the next couple of weeks is job one.

As a long time Edmonton Oiler fan, I’ve learned to be cautious in regard to contracts. It can get ugly in a hurry. Paul Coffey taught us that much.