26hrs and Counting: Mayhem Approaches

Written by: Hongkong Philly

 First off, I'd like to congratulate Shawn Horcoff on being captain number 13 in the franchises' history. His play will never match his pay, but what he lacks in pay to play ratio, he makes up with work ethic, dedication, and leadership. Last year you were the whipping boy and you still had nothing but great things to say about playing in Edmonton. I know somebody who decided to trash this city and management and payed for it. Send us a postcard with some chocolate from Hershey #44 - I'll get into that later.

Oilers News: Souray gone, Horcoff Captain, Roster for game 1

The media mongols made one last attempt to spread a rumour and gather some quick hits on their respected sites yesterday. The way I see it, it's easier to deny these trade rumours, because you usually end up correct by doing so. Nope; Souray, Cogliano and a draft pick wasn't traded to Calgary for Sarich and Glencorss.

Is a Souray "trade" a greater possibility

Gerber and Souray clear waivers. This establishes reliable goaltending for the OKC Barons. On the Souray front, re-entry waivers is likely in the works...but wait, could there be more?

I have a feeling a "trade" is in the developing stages with Souray.

Quick Hits: Oilers this week

Martin Gerber and Sheldon Souray have been placed on waivers. Two players exposed for two different reasons. The Oilers are hoping Gerber will pass waivers unscathed and they're praying for Souray to be plucked.

Blue Jackets looking to Bolster blue line

Will the recent injury to Kris Russell prompt the Blue Jackets to find a replacement? It's been reported that the 23 year old from Red Deer, Alberta will likely miss 2-4 weeks with a sprained knee. An mri will be conducted today and will give a better indication of what time frame they're working with.

It's no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets have been trying to bolster their blue line but have come up short thus far. GM Scott Howson tried acquiring Vancouver's Kevin Bieksa and Toronto's Tomas Kaberle to no avail. An offensive defense-men that can man the power play is on the top of their priority list.

Oilers defense review and where the Leafs come in

 

The Oilers are coming off their worst season in franchise history. Some of the work Tambellini has accomplished this offseason has been a staggering over haul, but mostly on the front end. The forwards are looking promising for the future, but how about the defense?

Souray to Caps rumour nixed

Will Souray be moved to Washington? It's unlikely, and I do hate reporting rumours, but this one is showing up on reputable sites. The talk is Washington may be interested in one of Kevin Bieksa or Sheldon Souray.

This rumour was sprung by comments made by

Oiler snid bits

Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to make news. It has been a long time since we've heard so much buzz coming from this organization. The lightning snagged two ex-Oilers in Marc-Antoine Pouliot and last years assistant coach Wayne Fleming. Pouliot will add depth to the forwards and Fleming brings 30 years of experience to the Bolts. Pouliot signed a 1 year, 2 way contract. Terms of salary hasn't been released, but I can't see it being much more or less than his 825,000 NHL salary that he was signed to last year.

The fact that the Oilers signed JF Jacques over Pouliot

Kovalchuck signs (contract details listed) and Gagne traded

A couple of events happened today, a big trade and a huge signing regarding the two biggest fish on the market. Kovalchuck finally signed on the dotted lines making his return to the Devils. Kovalchuck's contract is detailed to be 6 million for the first 2 years, then 5 years at 11.5, 10.5, 8.5, 6.5, 3.5, and finally 750, 550, 550, 550, 550, 550 (source: Star Tribute). An average of 6 million. Next was Simon Gagne being shipped to the Tampa Bay lightning, in return the Flyers received Matt Walker and a 4th round pick for the 2011 draft.
                                                                                   
Let's take a closer look at the Kovalchuck signing. Here we have a

No Trading Souray?

Now that Souray cleared waivers, it's clear that a suitable trade isn't available. It's likely the Oilers will need to accept a poor contract and possibly an undesirable player to boot. Leading to another problem of it's own, a trade that could haunt the Oilers for years to come. However, in the best interest of the Oilers, they shouldn't make that trade...not yet anyways. What other options are there?

First, Let us take a quick flashback and partake in the events that is now a grumbled Souray. The guy went through a string of injuries, the first being the severe concussion and the first of 2 meetings with Jarome Iginla. That concussion was immediately followed by a law suit worth millions of dollars; courtesy of his