Two Trades That Could Help The Edmonton Oilers Right Now

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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: (l-r) Keith Gretzky and Andrew Shaw of the Edmonton Oilers attend the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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.

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