The Oilers and Sabres are in a discussion on a possible trade. What is in the deal, you ask? Well, if it goes through, the Oilers would acquire elite goaltender Ryan Miller and foward Thomas Vanek, the Sabres receiving Nail Yakupov in return. This way, the Oilers would attain the elite goaltender Craig McTavis is looking for, and also a scorer that could replace Yakupov. The Sabres would be ridding of a goalie that is not willing to stay in Buffalo, still having solid goaltending with Enroth, and not losing scoring by picking up Yakupov (Buffalo still needs improvement, though).
I’m thinking one of the reasons the Oilers are thinking about parting with Yakupov is his recent laziness on the ice, which may stand a problem with Buffalo, and comments he made after being scratched for the game against Toronto: “I’m going to play my game. I’m not going to change but maybe play better without the puck, or forecheck more, but I love playing with the puck. I really don’t like skating all the time, and forechecking, and hitting somebody every shift. I don’t think it’s my game.” I wouldn’t think those comments would fair well with a GM.
The one obstacle with this deal is that Miller would have to waive his no trade clause. Only time will tell if this goes through.
blogging across the blue line 