Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli says he's actively tying to improve his blue line.
“It’s no secret we’re in the market for a defenceman, and we’re fully engaged and we’ve got a pretty high pick,” the GM told the club's official website. “It’s actually been exciting and it will ramp up (Friday).”
Chiarelli has repeatedly stated his desire to land an elite, right-shot defenseman, and Edmonton has a wealth of young, talented forwards.
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports the Oilers have reached out to the Montreal Canadiens about the availability of P.K. Subban, but whether there's a fit remains unclear.
"(Defensemen) are valuable components, but we’ve got some good players, we’ve got some good other assets and that’s what you look to deal when you try and do it," Chiarelli said. "If we don’t get it done by the draft, we’ve got a lot of time to do it.”
The Oilers hold the fourth overall pick, and Chiarelli admitted he's talked to other teams about what he may do with it.
"I’ve had discussions that include that pick. We’re looking at all different options including making that pick, trading down, including that pick in a trade for a defenceman. I’m looking at all those options. I’ve had discussions with teams on all those options.”
The GM isn't going to force a deal before the draft if it's worthwhile to wait.
“(Friday) has no bearing on it unless the pick is involved, or a pick is involved. But it just so happens that everyone thinks that’s a milestone or deadline for these deals."
The Oilers have about $12 million in cap space, and three pending unrestricted free agents (Eric Gryba, Adam Pardy, and Nikita Nikitin) on the back end.
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