Final days with Oilers for likes of Ales Hemsky, Nick Schultz?
Hemsky is one of several unrestricted free agents that general manager Craig MacTavish has on his roster, but definitely one he won’t want to let walk.
MacTavish had tried to move the veteran in the off-season, certain that Hemsky needed a change of scenery after seven losing seasons, but then said he valued the winger more than his peers. Hemsky returned in the fall, committed to being more of a leader, then settled into a third-line role without complaint.
But he also knows the end of the line is near.
“In the end, it’s not my decision. I didn’t ask for anything, but I’ve had a lot of talks with MacT, which are between him and I,” said Hemsky, who has registered 475 points in the 650 regular season games he has played since he was drafted 13th overall in 2001.
Defenceman Nick Schultz knows first-hand about deadline day deals having been flipped to Edmonton on Feb. 27, 2012, in exchange for Tom Gilbert. Now, he’s about to head to the market as an unrestricted free agent, so he, too, is aware that much could change by Wednesday afternoon.
There have been no talks about an extension with the Oilers, although Schultz said he would certainly entertain a discussion down the road.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/Final+days+with+Oilers+likes+Ales+Hemsky/9565557/story.html