Warren Foegele, the Edmonton Oilers’ Swiss army knife forward who can play anywhere from third to first line, left or right wing, currently resides in the province of Alberta, but he is also in limbo.
As an unrestricted free agent whose name keeps appearing in trade ideas, he does not want to leave if the Oilers go big-name hunting and have to move a salary ($2.75 million) away. But he understands it’s a business.
“They haven’t discussed a new deal. “I love it here, but the conversation hasn’t happened,” said Foegele, who is aware that the Oilers may be seeking for a top-six forward to play alongside Leon Draisaitl, with financial ramifications in any deal.
“I wouldn’t say I follow it but obviously we’re in Edmonton,” he said with a giggle. “There are several chat shows every day. For example, following yesterday night’s game in Boston, I was surprised to see so many reporters. Whatever happens, it’s beyond my control. The squad is aiming to win, and they will do whatever they believe is best. I want to be a part of it. “I’ve had a great time here.”
If the Oilers offered Foegele, who has 13 goals — tying a career high — with four two-goal games, including Wednesday’s loss to Boston when he usurped Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ slot on left wing with Connor McDavid, a four-year, $10-million contract, that would be great.
Foegele was excellent against the Bruins.
“Wow, that game was amazing. He took the puck to the net twice, defeating his opponent for goals. He worked hard on the forecheck. He’s been doing it up and down the lineup,” said coach Kris Knoblauch, who had Foegele as a junior in Erie for half a season and isn’t surprised by what he offers to the team. “We won the title, and Warren was the playoff MVP that season. What I saw there is what I see now. “He is doing the same things.”
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