The Edmonton Oilers have an almost zero percent chance of making the playoffs this season, so in expected fashion, they are becoming sellers. Playoff contenders looking for offense could most likely call the Oilers about Matt Hendricks.
The forward has a year left at $1.8 million, but has the experience to play on a playoff-bound team, according to the Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson. The team who would get his has to commit to his salary for his next year. Hendricks wants to stay in Edmonton though, even though his team is effectively done in this season's race.
"My heart's here and I want to stay and help turn this around," said Hendricks. "I've put a lot of sweat and tears ... blood, sweat and tears into this locker room, trying to help change (the culture). I take pride in the growth that's been shown," according to Matheson.
It's true. The Minnesota native has been with the Oilers since the 2013-14 season, essentially as a part of their rebuild.
Both Chicago general manager Stan Bowman, and Florida GM Dale Tallon are familiar with the 34-year-old. They were on Team USA's management staff at the World Championships last year, and Hendricks was the team captain, leading his team to a bronze medal. Both GMs were ecstatic with him.
"I loved the way he was with our kids," said Tallon, according to Matheson.
With Chicago opening up some cap space, they might be able to make an offer for him, but with Hendricks' nine points in 45 games, the Blackhawks might be better suited looking to Andrew Ladd if they can fix their cap space issues.
The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a 5-3 home loss to Anaheim and are sitting in 7th place in the Pacific Division.
