There was some talk a while back that P.K. Subban was a rumor to go to Edmonton along with the #3 for #1 overall and something else. We're hearing that Montreal squashed that back when it last came out. Now, we're hearing the talk may be back on.

Word is Montreal is quietly shopping Subban and has contacted Edmonton to see if something can be done. Mark Spector reports that going the other way might be Smid or Petry, so this trade could involve a lot of moving pieces.

Even more interesting is that Jason Gregor reports that Igor Larionov (Yakupov's agent) was asked to come on Gregor's show and flat out refused. His exact words were, "Edmonton doesn't talk to me and I don't talk to Edmonton.". Gregor further added that Larionov was not a happy camper.

Could it be that Edmonton has informed Larionov that they don't intend to take Yakupov? Not sure why they would do that, but I guess anything is possible.

This just got very interesting. Edmonton may be maneuvering to move to #3 where they can grab Murray or Reinhart and get Subban back in trade.

If the Oilers have a shot at Justin Schultz, would there be any consideration at all for Ryan Murray?

The consensus among most scouts is that the Edmonton Oilers should draft Sarnia forward Nail Yakupov as the first overall pick. Despite the consensus, in recent weeks discussion has creeped in that because of the Oilers need to bolster their blue line, defenseman Ryan Murray may be their target. Murray of the Everett Silvertips is not considered the top pick -- perhaps not even the top defensman --, in this years draft. Yet, the Oilers have still invited Murray to Edmonton Friday for a visit and tour of the city and the Edmonton Oiler landscape.

While the idea of not taking Nail Yakupov has many fans beside themselves, would the Oilers be going to all this trouble if Justin Schultz, a college defenseman, was available and the Oilers knew they stood a great chance of landing him?

Schultz will be a hot commodity come his free agency eligibility. Choosing likely not to sign with Anaheim, the team who drafted him, Schultz will test the free agent waters and its likely that 29 other teams would love to have this kid. From all accounts, Schultz is a sure thing.

The problem is, unless the rights to negotiate with Schultz are traded for with Anaheim who doesn't obviously want to lose such a prospect for nothing, no team can technically talk to Justin prior to June 24th. That is two days after the NHL draft and for the Oilers, two days after they could pass up on the best young forward prospect available.

Not that adding Ryan Murray and Justin Schultz would hurt your club, but would you take Yakupov and Schultz or Murray and Schultz? Most would likely say one elite forward and one elite d-man makes more sense. The Oilers may not get that chance?

But, what happens if the Oilers don't have a shot at Schultz? What if they play their hand thinking they do and Schultz has every intention to sign in Detroit or Toronto? What if that happens and the Oilers draft Yakupov?

Sure, they'll get the best young forward, but their blue line will still be suspect and the success of their defense will rest on Steve Tamebillin's ability to make a trade or sign a UFA, which is much harder to do.

It's a tricky spot, where the only real solution seems to offer Anaheim something for the rights to negotiate. It might be worth it more to Edmonton than any other team to know where Schultz stands.