City councilors and the Edmonton Oilers agreed Wednesday to split the cost of the final $30 million needed to green light the wavy-shaped steel-and-glass structure in the city’s downtown in time for the 2016-17 NHL season. “This has been a long and difficult process,” Mayor Stephen Mandel told councillors. “We need to make sure that we build [...]

Edmonton’s mayor says he’s optimistic about a special council meeting on the proposed downtown arena, according to TSN.ca. Stephen Mandel won’t give any details, saying councilors need to hear about and discuss the issues at the meeting Wednesday afternoon. Councillors don’t know what exactly the arena update will be, but Don Iveson thinks it must be something [...]

A spokesman for Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz refused to say Wednesday if the pharmacy magnate will put up more money to rescue a new arena project for his NHL team. John Karvellas also poured cold water on a suggestion for a higher ticket tax on games and other events to close a $55-million gap [...]

Bolstering his corps of bottom-six forwards is thought to be on Edmonton Oilers GM Craig MacTavish‘s off-season to-do list. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal suggests two current members of the Chicago Blackhawks, or a member of the Minnesota Wild, may fit the bill. “MacTavish wants to rebuild his bottom six, with presumably bigger and feistier role players, but they [...]

A high draft pick could be available via trade this June, according to one of the NHL’s top insiders. As suggested by TSN’s Bob McKenzieand as relayed by the Edmonton Journal the Edmonton Oilers might be willing to move their top 2013 overall selection. “If you’re going to be bold, that’s certainly a bold move,” McKenzie said during Wednesday [...]

Justin Schultz has been named the recipient of the Eddie Shore Award for the 2012-13 season, which goes to the AHL’s outstanding defenseman. He is the first rookie to win the award during its 55-year history. Schultz played in just 34 games for the Oklahoma City Barons, while the NHL lockout was happening. During that [...]

The Edmonton Oilers fired general manager Steve Tambellini and replaced him with former Oilers player and head coach Craig MacTavish on Monday. The Oilers made the announcement at a news conference Rexall Place in Edmonton. “We are not where we want to be right now, or where we should be. We feel strongly we make [...]

Bob McKenzie reports via twitter that Jerred Smithson from the Florida Panthers to the Edmonton Oilers for a draft pick, believed to be a fourth round pick.

According to Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen, that’s the latest impression given by the Ottawa Senators assistant general manager. ”After talking with Tim Murray, I’m thinking Ben Bishop gets traded. Senators in (position) to keep driving up the price.” And Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggests the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes are all in the mix for Bishop. ESPN [...]

After dealing for forward Jaromir Jagr, the Boston Bruins are looking to acquire help on defense before today’s trade deadline. Specifically a left-shot defenseman, according to Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe. With Mark Streit reportedly unavailable, veteran Ryan Whitney could fit the bill. Depending on what the Edmonton Oilers want in return, Whitney could be a good fit with his hometown squad. Otherwise, GM Peter [...]