Displaying an astounding ability to turn something simple into something complicated, the Kings and Edmonton Oilers have still yet to finalize this Ryan Smyth trade. This recent blog post from TSN’s Darren Dreger sums it all up nicely. The teams agreed on the trade but apparently are now bickering about Gilbert Brule’s health. By all indications, the Kings don’t intend to keep Brule. The most-likely scenario is a buyout — as noted in an earlier post — but that can’t happen if Brule is considered injured (he had concussion issues last season).
Oilers GM Steve Tambellini was asked about the trade in today’s post-draft media scrum in Minnesota, but didn’t offer much, telling reporters, “I just don’t have anything, I’m afraid. It’s still out there. … I wish I could give you something new right now, but i honestly don’t have anything.” Asked specifically about Brule’s health being an issue, Tambellini said, “I’m not discussing it like that. He’s been cleared to play for a long time.”
So (once again), we wait. I’m hoping to have another update fairly soon.
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