Sheldon Souray not invited to Edmonton Oilers training camp
It appears that the Edmonton Oilers and defenceman Sheldon Souray are parting ways. Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini issued a statement on Monday indicating that Souray would not be invited to training camp.
"In response to the recent reports surrounding Sheldon Souray, the Edmonton Oilers informed him last week that he will not be attending Training Camp," Tambellini said in a statement.
According to reports, the Oilers contacted Souray's agent, Paul Theofanous late last week to inform him that they were considering taking this action. Theofanous requested the decision in writing, which he received via email from the Oilers on Monday. The email also said that Souray should wait for further instructions as to where and when he should report.
Souray issued a brief statement indicating that he remains positive about his future, but is not sure what the latest decision by the Oilers clearly means.
"Nothing really surprises me, but I've prepared all summer...that has been my focus, to be ready for camp, ready to report and help my team and help myself," Souray told TSN.
Souray had been skating in Edmonton with some Oiler team mates on Monday and will continue to do so over the next few days.
"Things happen, I guess, however as a professional and a proud guy, I wanted to be part of all of the positive things that are happening around the team right now. My focus was to come in here and be a pro. There never would have been any distraction from my end," Souray added.
The Oilers and Souray have been at odds, as Souray demanded a trade last season and went public by criticizing the team for what he felt was mistreatment by the organization. Souray felt that he was being forced to play before completely recovering from a shoulder injury. The Oilers tried to trade Souray but were unable to find a suitable deal.
Tags: