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Eric Gryba's wife stresses out over potential trade

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Eric Gryba. (Jason Franson/CP)
Edmonton Oilers defenceman Eric Gryba. (Jason Franson/CP)

The NHL trade deadline is a stressful time for all involved, but nobody bears the brunt of it more than a player’s family.

They have to sit through weeks, sometimes months, of speculation and uncertainty, not knowing whether at any given moment they’ll have to pack up their house, say goodbye to their friends and start a new life in another city or country.

It’s an unpleasant reality that was reaffirmed Monday night by Oilers defenceman Eric Gryba, who tweeted out a screen grab of panicky texts he received from his wife, Cate.

Gryba was dealt from Ottawa to Edmonton two summers ago, so the emotional wounds are still relatively fresh. And while it’s certainly possible the Oilers move out the 28-year-old blueliner by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, there haven’t been any legitimate reports indicating that will happen.

If this is what the trade deadline is like for families far away from the hot stove, it must be hell for the Bishops and Shattenkirks of the world.