Edmonton Oilers: Interesting Trade Scenarios to Consider

With offers reportedly on the table for Jordan Eberle, the Edmonton Oilers have interesting scenarios to consider.

The team still needs to add depth in certain areas, and with many teams vying for Eberle, they could address key areas with a deal. The only question is what areas should they address, and when?

First off, the Oilers still have to find a top-four, puck-moving right-hand defenceman. Edmonton ahs already built defence corps that play a shutdown game, but the team needs more offence from the blue line. And, with Andrej Sekera out for the start of the season, now is the time to find that player.

However, losing Eberle means losing more depth on the right wing. And, if Edmonton wants Leon Draisaitl to transition to the second-line centre role, they have to find a proven top-six RW sooner rather than later. With Eberle gone, they will have to replace him as well.

Edmonton Oilers

When it comes to players already on the market, there are many people that the Oilers would be interested in taking a look at. TSN released a list of players potentially on the block. Here’s who Edmonton may be considering.

Defencemen

When it comes to finding defencemen who can fill out the top-four role on the right side, the Oilers should look no further than the trade market. Travis Hamonic, Sami Vatanen and Tyson Barrie are all names up for grabs, according to TSN’s list.

The Islanders, Ducks and Avalanche are all looking for a winger who can add scoring. These teams are the perfect trade partners for the Oilers, and these defencemen could work wonders on Edmonton’s blueline.

Of course, Barrie sis the most enticing option. He has tremendous puck-moving ability and solid defensive numbers, even though he was part of the NHL’s worst team this past season. His seven goals and 38 points led all Avalanche defencemen, and he was tied for third on the team in scoring.

Hamonic and Vatanen also have puck-moving prowess, but their totals are not as high. As for Hamonic, his possession numbers have been on the decline, and the Oilers should be hesitant pulling the trigger, especially after he elected to stay in New York after wanting to move closer to his family. As for Vatanen, he does the same thing Barrie does, though Barrie has better numbers.

Lack of Wingers

There are not many solid right wingers available on the market; Jimmy Hayes is perhaps one of the bigger names. That being said, Edmonton should likely focus on trading for a blueliner. What they could do is make a trade with a defender and package it for a winger as well.

Edmonton could also look toward free agency. Players like Justin Williams, Patrick Eaves and Jaromir Jagr are set to hit the market, and could be assets to Edmonton. With that being said, Edmonton could pick up a winger in free agency. Then, they could focus on acquiring a defender via the trade market. After that, they could address the depth on wing through other trades and signings.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: What to Do With Hendricks

Overall, the Oilers have a lot of options. All they have to do moving forward is foucs on their priorities.