The Edmonton Oilers situation with Sheldon Souray continues to be overshadowed by the bright future of the team, and thankfully so. Souray's attitude last year and down-right awful play, especially from a former all-star defencemen, would have booked him a flight to 29 other destinations, but in a salary-cap world, trading Souray has proven extremely difficult.
Two main problems exist in this situation: his tendency for injury, as observed last year, and his $5.4 million cap hit with two years remaining. General Managers should be reluctant on trading for a player whose cap hit is $900,000 above his salary, and is possibly not going to perform up to the standards of a $4.5 million player, not to mention his high-risk style of play.
But the Oilers might have an out and a low-risk one at that. Many had already suggested that Tambellini send Souray down to the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL), allowing the team to free up the $5.4 million cap hit. And earlier today, 11-year veteran Wade Redden (New York Rangers) cleared waivers and was sent down to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, suggesting that no NHL team is ready to pick up an overpaid defencemen, even for half the price. Although there are no guarantees, given the lack of responses from the other NHL teams, Souray has a very good chance of clearing waivers too.
If Souray were to clear waivers, the Oilers would be able to free up precious cap-space. I also assume that the Barons would be willing to have Souray in the line-up.
Rumours have also circulated that Redden is speaking to others teams about signing a contract, possibly even smaller than his current salary, which pays him out $23 million over the next four years. If Redden refuses to play in the AHL, the Rangers would be able to release Redden as an unrestricted free agent and would not have to pay the remaining money, and in turn, Redden can sign with his new team, assuming the talks are true.
If Souray balks at playing in the AHL, the Oilers would also have the luxury of releasing Souray to the open market, allowing him to play for another team, or even in the KHL, Swedish Elite League, or elsewhere.
It's pretty clear that the Oilers no longer want a part of Souray, and would be quick to rid jersey 44, which has proven to be a curse over the last five years (Pronger also wore #44). Tambellini has said that no beneficial bid has emerged for the team with Souray, so why not consider sending him to the minors? The team is paying $9 million a year for the next two years regardless of where or if he plays. And if a team does put in a claim from waivers, Tambellini should not be so quick to believe that the team lost him for nothing. Ownership would no longer be responsible for his contract, the management team would be free from distractions, and cap-space would be open to sign or trade for other promising players.
Although it is probably the last resort for Tambellini, it may prove to be the best move. The Oilers want to end the Souray saga immediately, and what other way then to take control by putting the ball in Souray's court? Let him decide if wants to finish his career in the AHL or not. If he really wants out, as he proclaimed last year by requesting a trade, he'll do it when he has no other choice.
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