Music: {allcanada} OILERS' GREBESHKOV TO TRAIN IN EDMONTON

Monday, July 29, 2013

{allcanada} OILERS' GREBESHKOV TO TRAIN IN EDMONTON

The Edmonton Journal points out that despite having a crowded blueline headed into training camp, Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish did not hesitate when Denis Grebeshkov wanted to give the NHL another shot after three years in the Kontinental Hockey League. The Oilers signed Grebeshkov, 29, to a one-year, one-way, $1.5-million contract earlier this month.

"What I see with him is he had a bit of a rocky year last year in the KHL," MacTavish said. "But he's coming back as soon as we get his immigration (worked out) and he'll be training virtually the whole month of August here.

"He's going to be highly motivated on just a one-year deal and I'm sure he wants to make a career over here. He'll be a good role model for Yak (Russian forward Nail Yakupov). Denis is a hell of a guy."

MacTavish thinks Anton Belov, a 27-year-old, nine-year KHL veteran signed to a two-way contract, is not far away from being an NHLer.

"Belov and Denis could be a pretty good pair because Belov plays the offside. Our goal is quick puck decisions, getting the puck up to the forwards. He's got that. He's physical. He's got some bite to his game, too."