The Edmonton Journal reports that salary cap issues are preventing the Oilers from signing former Ranger and penalty kill specialist Blair Betts.

Betts, 29, is an Edmonton native and would fit a big defensive center role for the Oilers.

Joining Edmonton would also re-untie Betts with former Rangers coach Tom Renney, who joined the Oilers as an associate coach to Pat Quinn.

The Oilers though, have 22 players who played in the NHL already signed for next season, 14 of-which are forwards. Edmonton’s cap number  is also around $55 million.

Last week I wondered why Betts had not signed anywhere yet.

…Edmonton was always the logical choice for Betts because it is his hometown and Tom Renney, the coach he blossomed under, is now there.  But with Edmonton at $55 million, it may not happen for Betts.