Ex-NHLer Sheldon Souray alleges mistreatment by Edmonton Oilers management under Tom Renney

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 10, 2024 08:22 GMT

Ex-NHL defenseman Sheldon Souray on Sunday claimed that he was mistreated while playing with the Edmonton Oilers. Souray pointed to multiple instances in which he, allegedly, underwent less-than-professional treatment from then-coach Tom Renney.

On the UnHammered Podcast with author Brantt Myhres, Souray recalled one incident:

“Let’s talk about Edmonton and what really happened. We go into Calgary, and we’re getting thumped like four or five to one after the second period. Tom Renney gives me my jersey and says, 'Hey, if you want to get someone back, now’s the time'. No one had ever done that in my career. I know what my job is.”

Another incident he highlighted was the Edmonton Oilers, allegedly, neglecting his health.

“I break my hand. It’s a boxer’s fracture. I said I wanted to go to LA and get the surgery. They said no. I asked for a trade. We’re not seeing eye to eye, and now they’re thinking, I’m this spoiled brat who wants to change the organization.”

However, the situation actually worsened, according to him:

“I get the surgery, and when I get out of the shower, there are these two pins sticking out about this far. I push them back into my hand. After three days in ICU, I get a major infection.”

Souray concluded the story by outlining the following encounter:

“One of my assistant trainers comes to the hospital one day, and he sees me and says, 'Well, just so you know, the management thinks you’re faking the injury because you don’t want to play for the Oilers'.”

Souray was with the Edmonton Oilers from 2007 to 2010. He closed out his career with the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, playing in over 750 NHL games.

Edmonton Oilers allegedly disregarded a life-threatening injury

Sheldon Souray also claimed the Edmonton Oilers paid little attention to the severity of his hand injury.

“It (amputation) was on the table as an option,” he claimed.

While it didn’t get to that point, Souray and the Oilers drifted apart significantly. Souray detailed how he called the Oilers’ owner, GM, and president of hockey operations to tell them what he thought after the trainer had suggested Souray was faking the injury.

“I told them all they could go f**k themselves.”

The comments landed Souray in the AHL and out of Edmonton altogether. He played for two more seasons before retiring. Souray went through a series of personal problems, which he is now over.

In the meantime, Souray’s experience in Edmonton counts as one of the lowest points of his career.