Report: Oilers' Purcell, Schultz scratched for 'protection reasons'
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have scratched forward Teddy Purcell and defenseman Justin Schultz ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Both players are among a number of Oilers who may be dealt ahead of the Feb. 29 deadline. TSN's Bob McKenzie added that though a Purcell deal isn't imminent, they want to ensure the forward stays healthy.
EDM has not traded Purcell, not yet anyway. Asset protection at this point. Several teams with serious interest. Deal likely at some point.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 26, 2016
Later, TSN's Ryan Rishaug tweeted that Schultz would also be scratched for "protection reasons." He was a minus-3 in the Oilers' last game - a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.