We’re still in the “interview/conversation” period before free agency begins, so Milan Lucic and the Edmonton Oilers would be very unlikely to back up the heavy rumors that they’ve got a deal done.
Such talk is all over the place on Tuesday, though.
Sportsnet’s Gene Principe reported that the two sides were somewhere between 95 and 100 percent certain to reach a deal once July 1 rolls around, according to his sources.
Only June 28 but one source said 100% and another 95% that @MilanLucicCFC17 will sign with @EdmontonOilers on July 1.Let's see if it happens
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) June 28, 2016
The Edmonton Journal’s Curtis Stock notes the same, crediting a “good source.”
I understand Lucic signed with Oiler's. He's another piece the oilers needed
— Curtis Stock (@CurtisJStock) June 28, 2016
As the Edmonton Journal notes, the Oilers are high on Lucic’s list of landing spots.
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has said the Oilers are #2 on Lucic’s list of likely destinations, after the Anaheim Ducks. Stauffer added he thought it was more likely the Oilers would trade for a right shot d-man than sign Demers.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie said earlier today on Vancouver radio that Lucic might be willing to give the Oilers a “hometown discount” because Lucic is keen to play with Connor McDavid in the new arena.
That’s a lot of smoke, yet Lucic showed some fire in downplaying the rumors.
Not ruling them out obviously, but Lucic hasn't agreed to anything with anyone yet. #Oilers
— DJ Bean (@DJ_Bean) June 28, 2016
Some wonder if Lucic’s denial mainly comes down to this being a time when it’s a little fuzzy as far as how specific you can get regarding the parameters of a deal.
Parties can discuss "general parameters of a potential future contractual relationship" https://t.co/m68qZ80lTg https://t.co/sHXuo4iZtI
— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) June 28, 2016
Again, we all assume that more gets discussed and offers get made. But there's a reason that deals don't come out publicly until July 1.
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) June 28, 2016
One thing seems indisputable: there are plenty of teams who covet the power forward.
Not sure how many more visits are practical this point past Van/Edm but Lucic has interest from 10 teams overall... lots of phone chatter
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2016
Lucic can bring some size and snarl to the Oilers’ finesse-heavy forwards group, yet there’s no denying that Edmonton’s bigger area of need is defense.
The Edmonton Journal’s Stock also reports that they’re eyeing Jason Demers in that regard:
At the risk of starting another firestorm I understand Jason Demers is going to be an Oiler too
— Curtis Stock (@CurtisJStock) June 28, 2016
This is a situation heavy in “if” statements, but one divisive “if” revolves around the belief that signing Lucic would prompt a Taylor Hall trade.
If Milan Lucic is indeed going to Edmonton on July 1, then Taylor Hall will be on the move elsewhere for a D-man. Let the bidding begin!
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) June 28, 2016
Sacrificing Taylor Hall at the alter of Milan Lucic is exactly the kind of thought process hockey needs to exorcise.
— Jen LC (@RegressedPDO) June 28, 2016
Again, don’t expect anything official until Friday.
Once the free agent frenzy rolls around, we might see some real fireworks from Edmonton.
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