Oilers remain interested in re-signing Derek Roy despite winning draft lottery

The addition of Connor McDavid doesn't change the outlook on Derek Roy.

So says Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish, who remains interested in retaining the services of the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent despite an impending glut at center.

"We’d like to have Derek back," MacTavish said Wednesday. "We haven’t had any success in doing that to this point but we’re still very interested in having Derek back."

Roy, who turns 32 on May 4, recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 games with the Oilers, and was credited with boosting the game of young Nail Yakupov.

MacTavish's statement suggests the two sides have been talking, perhaps with a view to ensuring Edmonton's young talent is surrounded by veteran experience.