Oilers re-enter sweepstakes as discount becomes possible!

It was revealed earlier today by Aaron Portzline of the Athletic that the Boston Bruins had a deal in place with the Columbus Blue Jackets to acquire defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov that fell through just before they turn to Washington. On Thursday, the Bruins acquired blue liner Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway from the Capitals.

With Gavrikov still on the market with a week to go ahead of the March 3rd deadline, insider Pierre LeBrun wonders if the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs or Los Angeles Kings will look to move in on the Blue Jackets’ defenseman, perhaps at a discounted price.

“It was back to Square 1 with Columbus and Gavrikov on Friday morning. The Oilers have had a number of conversations with them on him over the past month, but the price was always too high. Maybe it comes down now. My sense is Edmonton was interested in getting back into the Gavrikov conversation Friday. Do the Leafs and Kings also inquire? I still think Jakob Chychrun is the top attraction for Los Angeles, and I don’t think Kings GM Rob Blake wants to spend a first-round pick for a rental player, which is also why I’m told he wasn’t really a player on Orlov.”

It was revealed in the past how the Blue Jackets and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen were seeking a three-asset return for Gavrikov, including a first-round pick.

The price might be coming down, and the Oilers might be calling Columbus back today to re-engage trade talks for Gavrikov.

Let’s keep a close eye on this one.

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