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Edmonton Oilers Acquire Ryan Strome for Jordan Eberle

By Sammi Silber

Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders center Ryan Strome (18) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Islanders won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders center Ryan Strome (18) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Islanders won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers have traded Jordan Eberle in exchange for New York Islanders forward Ryan Strome.

In what have been on-going rumors about Eberle for weeks, the Oilers announced the trade Thursday following the expansion draft and trade freeze. While many believed that Travis Hamonic would be coming the other way, he is not included in the trade.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Eberle struggled with shooting accuracy this past season and didn’t live up to his full potential. Appearing sluggish and lazy at times, Eberle’s play was concerning. Still, he finished with 20 goals and 51 points on the season. However, in the playoffs, Eberle failed to register a single goal and posted two lone assists. His minus-6 was also among the worst on the team.

Strome did not have the most impressive season, posting 13 goals and 30 points and was a minus-8 through 69 games. The former fifth-overall pick has 81 goals and 126 points through 258 NHL games. Strome has displayed playmaking prowess and plays a solid two-way game. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound centre also plays a physical game and has a faceoff win percentage of 44.2 percent.

Still, some have to consider the trade. Strome may be a centre that can provide more depth, and he can likely also play the wing. However, Eberle is a consistent 20-goal scorer, and Strome has never hit those numbers in his career. Perhaps a change of scenery is what he needs to improve but one must wonder: did Eberle warrant a bigger return?

Strome is only 23 years old and has plenty of upside, so he will certainly continue to develop into a promising player, and his numbers are not terrible. Plus, this gives Edmonton more cap room.

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The trade comes a day after the team lost Griffin Reinhart to the expansion draft. Edmonton may need to invest in more right wing depth this offseason and may have to make more moves to fill Eberle’s void. Still, the trade is done. Many people were doubtful of Adam Larsson, but he has been tremendous. The same may be said for Strome.

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