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It’s the silly season of nonsense and rampant boosterism in the National Hockey League where trade speculators in Toronto and New York outdo one another in devaluing Edmonton Oilers hockey players and proposing oddball trade scenarios.

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Laughable trade speculation around Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Cam Talbot Back to video

Exhibit A is Larry Brooks of the New York Post, who has been around hockey a long time, who writes: “(New York Rangers GM Jeff) Gorton is believed to have talked with Edmonton, and might be willing to accept Milan Lucic and his five-year, $30 million contract commitment if Leon Draisaitl comes the other way. There is, however, zero evidence the Oilers have the slightest inclination to make a deal like that, even if it would involve, say Brady Skjei, also an impending Group II free agent.”

Exhibit B is an anonymous writer at The Fourth Period, who said: “The Edmonton Oilers are entertaining trade calls for goaltender Cam Talbot, TFP has learned, a situation that occurred during the regular-season, prior to the trade deadline, multiple sources said. Talbot, 30, has one-year remaining on his contract and currently owns a no-movement clause through July 1, upon which he can list 10 teams he could accept a trade to. According to a source close to the situation, Talbot has been asked to provide his list of 10 teams he’d be willing to sign off on a trade for. It’s speculated the Carolina Hurricanes have been in talks with Edmonton about Nugent-Hopkins and Talbot, with defenceman Justin Faulk and winger Jeff Skinner believed to be discussed.”