Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Eberle Gone if Russell Stays?

The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a bit of a predicament at the end fo the 2016-17 season.

With injuries to the blue line and contracts piling up, general manager Peter Chiarelli has some decisions to make. Andrej Sekera will be out 6-9 months with a torn ACL, meaning the Oilers will kick off the season without one of their top four defencemen.

Edmonton Oilers

In turn, this leaves the Oilers with questions regarding their defence. Kris Russell is set to become an unrestricted free agent but came in clutch for the team as a top-four substitute. He’s a versatile player who can play the right or left side and is a shot-blocking machine. With Sekera’s injury, many believe that signing Russell is the only option moving forward.

If he does get an extension, this then puts tension on the Oilers’ cap situation. Russell comes at a cap hit of at least $3 million per year. If the Oilers do re-sign him, they will have to clear up cap space. And, as per insiders, shipping out Jordan Eberle is the best way to do that.

Eberle on the Outs?

Most of the questions this season surround Eberle and his ability, as well as his future with the team. Though a proven top-six winger, Eberle greatly struggled this season and even found himself unable to get shots on net. He has faltered when it has come to shooting accuracy and overall impact, and at times, he appears sluggish and to show a lack of effort.

That being said, Eberle could see himself shipped out to not only clear up cap space but to allow for some kind of big signing to occur. Whether that means Russell coming back and the Oilers renting a winger or getting a big free agent name, it is possible that Eberle will not return to the team next season.

That in itself raises concerns. Despite his struggles, Eberle’s a proven goal scorer and could completely bounce back from this forgetful year. If he does that, he can come back and continue to serve as a scoring asset for the team.

Not to mention, what if the Oilers find themselves without an Eberle-like winger? They will lose one of the staples of their top-six, and not be able to fill that scoring void. Additionally, the team already lacks scoring on the right side, so shipping out another winger isn’t their best option.

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In the end, there are many scenarios, but Eberle could be on the outs if it benefits the Oilers’ blue line.