I enjoy playing armchair GM, so I thought I’d do it again. Here are two trades that would make the Edmonton Oilers better right now, and get rid of two of Peter Chiarelli screwups in the process.
Edmonton Oilers: Do I have your attention yet? Let’s get to it.
Trade #1
To Edmonton
Dougie Hamilton ($4 million of retained cap hit – if they don’t want to preserve so much cap space then they must take Ryan Spooner as well) and Boston’s 2019 7th round pick
To Carolina
Matt Benning, Brandon Manning ($1 million of retained cap hit) and the 2019 6th round pick
Why Dougie Hamilton?
Well, if you believe the rumors here, Carolina is so displeased with the Dougie Hamilton trade with Calgary that they’re looking to deal him now.
If they are looking to deal him now, they’re selling at a low point which means the Oilers can buy at a low point – a weak point which wouldn’t be available for any other good d-man at the same price.
Benning is a player who has been in and out of the lineup for us but at 24 years of age still has the potential to take a step forward. Hamilton is a player in his prime right now which means he fits better here while Benning is a better fit in Carolina, especially if they plan to blow it up after this season. The Oilers, on the other hand, are trying to win now, and Benning isn’t helping them do that. Hamilton, though, could.