FEATURE: Chiarelli targeting speedy prospects at NHL Trade Deadline

EDMONTON, AB - Full disclosure: "I'm not going to blow up the team," Oilers General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Peter Chiarelli announced Friday, three days ahead of the National Hockey League Trade Deadline, which closes at 1:00 p.m. MST on Monday.

The Oilers GM likened the current situation of his squad as more of a 'remodel' rather than the typical 'rebuild' many teams endure at this time in a season.
"We're looking for speed," Chiarelli said. "We hope to address that a little bit as far as prospects in return. That's the primary objective of this deadline. We could always get picks but I prefer not to."
The Oilers already own six selections (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th) in the upcoming NHL Draft, which takes place in Dallas, TX. Chiarelli dealt the fifth-rounder to Montreal for goaltender Al Montoya on Jan. 4.
"Speed comes in the form of faster skating and also moving pucks," continued Chiarelli. "You're looking for a prospect that's close to playing, if not ready to play."
Although there is one caveat in that, as the Oilers GM said it, "depends on the urgency of the buyer."

Five players under contract with the Oilers will become unrestricted free agents in the summer if they're not re-signed: Pat Maroon, Mark Letestu, Michael Cammalleri, Yohann Auvitu and Mark Fayne.
Both Maroon and Letestu have been subjects of discussion leading up to Monday, due to the boost they could provide to a contender.
"There's interest in those players," said Chiarelli. "We've also talked to those players about re-signing. They bring a level of experience and expertise in certain areas.
"If there's interest there, we'll see where it goes."
In terms of true hockey trades, which typically involve roster players with term being exchanged, Chiarelli said he's listening to what's being inquired but assured he would not involve a player the club is adamant in keeping.
"I'm confident in the players that we don't want to trade," Chiarelli said.

With high-profile skaters hogging trade rumours, the Oilers aren't in talks to make major waves. That doesn't mean that won't change in the next 72 hours.
"As far as hockey deals, we're looking at a couple," Chiarelli said. "I don't know where they sit right now. There's some larger action going on right now and we're not in it. But so much happens in the course of two, three or four days, so we'll just be on top of it."
The 2017-18 campaign began with heavy expectations for the Oilers. The club secured a berth in the 2017 NHL Playoffs then advanced all the way to Game 7 of Round 2 against the Anaheim Ducks. The expectations have not been met and for the rest of the season, Chiarelli hopes to see progress made on the ice as well as with prospects who have taken the next step in their development.
"Whether it's about the younger players, seeing where they can go with a little more ice time or whether it's special teams - they've been awful this year - let's see if that can make some progress," he said.