Souray Moving On?

All-star defenseman and powerplay specialist, Sheldon Souray, has officially provided Oilers management with a list of preferred trade destinations. Speculation has been swirling around the struggling Edmonton Oilers club since they have found themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings.

There are no reports on which specific teams Souray has named, but it has been heavily speculated that he would not accept a trade to an Eastern conference team. To remain closer to his family, it is believed Souray would only accept a trade to a team on the west coast.

This of course, along with Souray's $5.4 million annual salary, makes it increasingly difficult for Oilers GM Steve Tambellini to find the right trade scenario. Even so, it is believed that other GM's around the league have shown interest in acquiring Souray.

Contrary to what some rumors are suggesting, I do not believe that the Oilers are trying to dump Souray and his contract. I think a trade will only be made if Tambellini is able to collect assets that will improve his team in the future. This could include draft picks, prospects, or established young players.

Many sports pundits have suggested that any player on the team, without the last name Hemsky or Penner, is on the trading block. Other than those two players, Souray might be the most sought after asset that the floundering Oilers are offering.

In what some consider a change to the leadership and culture of the team, there are many veteran players that might catch the interest of rival GM's. As reported by Bruce Garrioch, in the Edmonton Sun, the Oilers have been actively shopping veterans Shawn Horcoff, Robert Nilsson, Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios, Sheldon Souray, and Lubomir Vishnovsky.

Regardless if Souray himself is traded or not, the Edmonton Oilers are a team worth watching in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Over the Boards Hockey will keep you up to date with the situation in Edmonton as it unfolds.