Sheldon Souray.

BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca

Despite what appears to be a stalemate in trade talks, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Sheldon Souray still believes he will be traded to another club before the start of the season.

Souray told Sportsnet that the team has made no effort to smooth things over with him.

The 34-year-old blueliner criticized team management at the end of last season, stating there was pressure from them to continue playing -- despite his lingering injuries. He also said that was the reason why other players around the league did not want to play with the organization.

Souray is still under contract through to the end of the 2011-12 season. He is scheduled to earn $4.5 million (US) in each of the next two seasons, although the actual cap hit is $5.4 million.

His best season with the Oilers came during the 2008-09 campaign, when he played in 81 games and recorded 23 goals and 53 points.