Oilers trade Purcell to Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers have traded Teddy Purcell to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a third-round pick in 2016, both organizations have now officially confirmed.
The framework of the deal was completed earlier Saturday afternoon, but the announcement was held up for several hours apparently due to the fact that the Panthers owe a third-round draft pick to the New Jersey Devils. Eventually the Oilers, Panthers, and Devils (and their social media and public relations teams) were able to determine which picks will go where, and Edmonton will indeed own the Panthers' pick in this upcoming draft.
Purcell is the Panthers' third acquisition on the afternoon. Dale Tallon moved a pair of draft picks to the Calgary Flames for forward Jiri Hudler, and also acquired defenseman Jakub Kindl from the Detroit Red Wings for a late-round pick.
#FlaPanthers have added a little over $2m in true salaries in Hudler ($1m) and Purcell ($1.125m)
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) February 27, 2016
The reported trade sending Purcell to the Sunshine State came hours after reports surfaced suggesting the Los Angeles Kings were "inching closer" to acquiring Purcell, as well as defenseman Justin Schultz, from Edmonton.
Schultz was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 30-year-old Purcell has 11 goals and 32 points in 61 games with the Oilers this season, primarily flanking Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl.