After making the Ben Scrivens deal, it appears that the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings might be in talks to make another trade. Perhaps even a bigger one.
AJ Jakubec, a host for the Ottawa Senators who also works at TSN 1200, made these two tweets this morning.
Oilers and Kings working on another trade. Hearing Sam Gagner to LA is very close. #Oilers #LAKings
— AJ Jakubec (@TheSuperAJ) February 6, 2014
Kyle Clifford the expected return for Edmonton if Gagner deal goes through. #Oilers #LAKings
— AJ Jakubec (@TheSuperAJ) February 6, 2014
TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweets that the tweets were ‘interesting’ but that they are genuine.
Interesting tweets from @AJonSports regarding possible deal between LA and EDM involving Gagner and Clifford. Also hearing this possible.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 6, 2014
It's complicated because of LA's cap issues -- EDM would have to retain salary? -- and LA may have to give up another piece. Stay tuned.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 6, 2014
If a deal is made between these two teams again, I can’t imagine that it would be a straight-up Sam Gagner for Kyle Clifford deal. The Oilers would definitely need something else in return. Especially if they keep some of his salary.
Sam Gagner would give the Kings the scoring depth they have been looking for and giving up Clifford would not hurt that much. However, I would think at least a second-round pick, maybe even a first would have to go the other way. Let’s face it, a 50-60 overall pick isn’t all that enticing when trading a player like Gagner.
Clifford would bring even more toughness into the Oiler’s lineup. That seems to be the trend in Edmonton right now, with the Oilers bringing in Matt Hendricks and Mark Fraser in the last few weeks. He has never been a big point producer, so if this trade does get made, don’t expect much offense from him Oiler fans.
This might not be the biggest trade out there, but it would end the saga of Sam Gagner trade rumors in Edmonton. They seem to be an annual event.