Oilers make Petry healthy scratch as deadline approaches

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One of the top names left on the trading block as the NHL trade deadline approaches is that of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry, who will be a healthy scratch from the team's lineup Saturday, despite no reports of an injury. 

The 27-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent playing for an Oilers squad that has no chance of making the playoffs.

Edmonton has reportedly been trying to trade the defensemen for months, but have also had talks with him about a contract extension, so it's unclear if the Michigan native will be traded, but the chances are good.

Petry, who is hearing his name amidst trade rumors for the first time, let the Edmonton Journal know how it made him feel.

“It’s the first time my name is out there and in the mix. It’s the first time I’ve been in this position, but I try to block it all out as much as possible,” he said, as reported by Joanne Ireland of the Journal.

“I think you can drive yourself crazy thinking like that,” he said. “Just show up and (treat it) as business as usual."

Petry's cap hit is $3.075 million and he's recorded 15 points in 59 games this season.