The Edmonton Oilers are exploring several trade scenarios for winger David Perron, with the possibility the winger could be moved in the next few days.
Senior vice president of hockey operations Scott Howson attended the Blue Jackets’ 4-2 loss to Winnipeg Tuesday night, but that in itself is not newsworthy. He still lives in the area. But Howson obviously knows the Columbus roster and traded for Artem Anisimov, reportedly the key piece in a potential Jackets-Oilers deal.
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It also should be noted that, several years ago, he showed up at a game in Ottawa days before trading for Antoine Vermette.
If the trading partner is Columbus, note that Perron makes about $600,000 more than Anisimov. Let’s say it has to be “cash-in, cash-out” for the Blue Jackets. Would Edmonton have interest in either of two defencemen (Kevin Connauton/Tim Erixon) making approximately that amount?
Howson also acquired Erixon. Connauton played for the AHL Chicago Wolves when MacTavish coached there.
Both Columbus president John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen were in St. Louis with Perron. So was Montreal’s assistant GM, Scott Mellanby, who spent two seasons on the Blues’ bench.
The Canadiens’ interest in Perron has been reported before. From what I understand, the biggest obstacle for Montreal might be what the Oilers need — centres and defenders. Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin says you can never have enough of either.
He just acquired Bryan Allen and Sergei Gonchar on defence, and isn’t exactly overflowing with middlemen. It’s unlikely the Oilers would want a smallish player, needing bulk to battle the brawniest of the Western Conference.
Another situation to watch out for: Pittsburgh, looking for wingers. I’d thought the Senators, too, especially if they give up on trying to sign Marc Methot. He’d be perfect for Edmonton, but one source threw cold water on that, indicating Ottawa is looking for size as much as anything else.
Perron spoke openly about enjoying his time in Edmonton last season, scoring a career-high 28 goals. But, as the losses mount, he openly voiced his frustration after last Friday’s loss to New Jersey, saying the team was repeating the same mistakes.
The Oilers would like to make a move, and the skilled winger certainly has value. Stay tuned. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.