Oilers Whitney “Wants To Play”

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ryan Whitney is obviously on the trading block but the market appears thin. Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini is having a hard time moving the veteran and head coach Ralph Krueger isn’t helping the situation.  Kreuger has decided to scratch Whitney for five of the last seven games making any trade talk difficult.

Standard practice when trying to move players in the NHL is to play them, hope they play well, and get the best return possible.  Without having Whitney playing and showcasing his talents, an already small trade market is made even more miniscule.

Kreuger has not yet said whether Whitney would be back on the ice for Thursday’s game in Dallas against the Stars, but did say the decision would come when assistant coach Steve Smith (the Oilers defense coach) returns from a few days in Chicago where he has been visiting his family.

“It’s obviously really frustrating, but I’ve been doing my best to stay positive around the guys so I’m not a distraction or anything,” Whitney said. “As frustrated as I am, I think I’ve done a good job of not bringing anyone down around me.

“Things could be a lot worse in my life.” He continued ” I don’t necessarily agree with not playing. I want to play. But I don’t want to make it a sideshow. I’ve got really good friends on this team who I’m rooting for every night. As pissed off as I am, it’s not about me.”

The Philadelphia Flyers may have some interest in Whitney as they have numerous blue liners out with injuries.  In any possible deal though Edmonton fans should not expect a great deal in return for the defenceman, a third or fourth round draft pick would probably be the most Tambellini could pry out of another general manager.