The Edmonton Oilers have finally built some sort of supporting cast around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and it’s time they go all in. Oiler’s GM Ken Holland needs to find help for the playoffs, but also needs to shed some money as the team is already tight against the salary cap.
If the month of December proved anything, it’s that Dave Tippet’s club needs additions in almost all areas. Whether it’s top 6, depth scoring, defense or goaltending, the Oiler’s can find help in each position from around the league.
Let’s go over 10 options Edmonton may be intrigued to go after before the March 21st trade deadline.
10. Dylan Strome (C,LW) – Chicago Blackhawks
Rumors were that Chicago was looking to potentially trade their 24-year-old centre, who has been struggling the last couple seasons.
An RFA at the end of the season with a cap hit of $3,000,000. He has familiarity with Connor McDavid from their OHL days with the Erie Otters. Strome would fill the 3rd line centre or wing roll quite well as a change of scenery may be beneficial for him.
9. Ben Chairot (D) – Montreal Canadiens
Ben Chairot has been on the trade block for most of the 2021-22 season and has been rumoured to be on the Oiler’s radar. The veteran 2 way defenseman would help solidify the team’s back-end and only carries a $3,500,000 cap hit.
The only reason he’s at number 9 on my list is because Montreal is expecting to get a 1st round pick in return. Edmonton is reportedly out on youngster Jacob Chychrun from Arizona, so Chairot could be some sort of a substitute.
8. Rickard Rakell (W) – Anaheim Ducks
Rickard Rakell has been on the Oiler’s radar since before last season’s trade deadline. He’s a UFA at the end of the season with a current cap hit of $3,789,444 and can fill a top 6 wing role or even the hole at 3rd centre.
The only problem is that the Anaheim Ducks are exceeding expectations and may want to hold onto Rakell for a potential playoff push.
7. Semyon Varlomov (G) – New York Islanders
The veteran net minder hasn’t said to be on the trade block but he would be a nice addition for the Oilers. The 33 year old is a proven playoff performer and is the solid goaltending that the club may need.
Varlomov isn’t a UFA until the 2023-24 season with a 16 team no trade list, but the Islander crease has seemed to be taken over by youngster Ilya Sorokin. With a cap hit of $5,000,000 the Oilers would have to send money the other way or have some retained.
6. Mark Giordano (D) – Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken aren’t having the inaugural season they were hoping and may be thinking of off loading some contracts. Oiler’s fans know Mark Giordano all too well from the many years he spent with the Calgary Flames.
The shut down man’s current cap hit of $6,750,000 is a bit much but Giordano is a UFA after this season so he’d be nothing more than a playoff rental. The former Norris could probably fetch a couple picks from the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round and maybe even a prospect.
He also has a modified no-trade clause, a list of 19 teams he can be traded to.