Report: Teams calling the Oilers on Sam Gagner
Before the Olympic trade freeze trade buzz surrounding Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner was the primary fuel powering the NHL rumor mill.
While "Gagner to the Kings" talk has slowed appreciably since then, Gagner trade talks have reportedly begun to heat up again ahead of the 3 P.M. EST trade deadline. From TSN's Darren Dreger:
Also told teams starting calling Oilers brass on Sam Gagner again yesterday. #TSN
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 5, 2014
A major wrench in the wheel of the original negotiations between Edmonton and Los Angeles was Edmonton's unwillingness to retain a portion of Gagner's salary. According to Sportsnet's Marc Spector, however, the Oilers have relaxed their resistance to a retained salary transaction involving Gagner.
Will that prove sufficient to lubricate the Gagner trade market? Or is it too little, too late?