Oilers, Huselius, Stillman, and Laich
Are the Oilers intent on bolstering their forward group during the off-season? Will Kristian Huselius get a raise this summer? Does Cory Stillman want to remain a Senator? Is Brooks Laich in line for a raise with the Capitals?
Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal suggests that the Edmonton Oilers may have some interest in acquiring some help at forward this season.
First off, the Oilers could use a “sniper” to bolster their attack, some in the mold of San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo.
Secondly, the Oilers will look to add some toughness. While it’s unlikely that former Oilers tough guy Georges Laraque will return to Edmonton, there are other options. Those include UFAs Wade Belak of the Florida Panthers, Jody Shelley of the Sharks, Darcy Hordichuk of the Nashville Predators, and Todd Fedoruk of the Minnesota Wild.
Jean LeFebvre of The Calgary Herald suggests that Calgary Flames pending UFA forward Kristian Huselius may have a hard time getting the contract he wants this summer.
While his play in the months of October, December, January, and so far in March, has been superb, November and February saw the skilled forward play the worst hockey of the season.
Ottawa Senators pending UFA forward Cory Stillman tells James Gordon of The Ottawa Citizen that he’d love to re-sign with the club.
“I’d like to stay. It’s close to home, to my home town,” the Peterborough, Ont., native said. “You know, I was happy in Carolina, but (Ottawa) is one of the places I had said that if I ever had the chance to play, I would jump on it.
“So I’m here now and hopefully I can continue on for a couple years.”
Stillman says he hasn’t had any talks about a contract extension with Senators’ management, yet.
“My thing right now is to come play, win hockey games and continue to play into June,” the 34-year-old said.
According to Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post, Washington Capitals pending restricted free agent forward Brooks Laich could receive a significant raise this summer. A three-year, $3 million deal isn’t out of the question.
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I don’t know if I’d be throwing $3M at Brooks Laich, even with his improvement this season. I think his maximum value is around $2M on a 2 year deal, just to see if he keeps improving or is peaked at a second or third line level… Let’s face it, he might get 20 goals, but he’s only on pace for 34 points this season… He’s closer to the $725K he’s making now than $3M, in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I like him, and think he’s valuable to the Caps, but $3M is a definite overpayment. Hopefully they’re talking about $3M spread over those 3 years…
by Dan Rakusan on March 21st, 2008 at 4:12 PM EDT