10 Trade Options the Edmonton Oilers Should Target
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.
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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.
5. Calvin De Haan (D) – Chicago Blackhawks
Another solid defenseman who is basically a younger and cheaper version of the previous option. He would be a good option for the left side of the Oiler’s defense, who carries a cap hit of $4,500,000.
De Haan is also a UFA after this season and is a defense first defenseman. He’s exactly what the team needs to help soldify their play in their own end.
4. Bryan Rust (W) – Pittsburgh Penguins
There’s been rumours that Rust will be testing the free agent market this summer so the Penguins might be inclined to trade the 29 year old winger. A cap hit of $3,500,000 is something the Oilers could work around for a guy who could slide right into the top 6. The team would possibly have to give up their 1st rounder or multiple picks to get him.
Pittsburgh had a slow start to the season but have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL going into the holiday break, so the team may also want to keep Rust for a playoff option.
3. Jake DeBrusk (W) – Boston Bruins
The former 1st rounder requested a trade back in November, but the Bruins have yet to find a suitor. DeBrusk is an Edmonton native and may benefit from a change of scenery, especially to his hometown.
He’s an RFA after the season who carries a modest $3,650,000 cap hit. Jake would easily be the most talented player in the Oilers bottom six if he were acquired.
2. Phil Kessel (RW) – Arizona Coyotes
Phil Kessel is probably the most intriguing of targets. The veteran winger is a 2-time Stanley Cup winner, so he has plenty of playoff experience. The 34 year old had 20 goals and 43 points in 56 games last season and currently 21 points in 30 games this year.
He’s knows how to play with stars and is a shoot first player Edmonton is missing. He would give the Oilers an option to potentially move Nugent-Hopkins into the 3rd centre position, adding so much more depth.
Kessel does carry a $6,800,000 with a 8 team no-trade list, but is a UFA after the season. Arizona has been known to retain salary lately which would be what the Oilers need. Edmonton would most likely have to give up at least a 2nd rounder and a roster player.
1. Marc-Andre Fleury (G) – Chicago Blackhawks
One of the biggest holes for the Edmonton Oilers is a consistent and strong goaltender. Fleury is a proven veteran but is also showing he can still bring it. He currently has a respectable 2.86 GAA and a SV% of .913 on a weaker Blackhawks team.
The Oilers would need Chicago to retain some of Fleury’s $7,000,000 cap hit and the option to possibly take a contract like Mikko Koskinen’s. If Chicago does both those things, don’t be surprised to see Holland to give up his 1st rounder and possibly a prospect.
MAF is a UFA at the end of the season and does have a modified clause where he has to submit a 10 team no-trade list. Fortunately, he would most likely be willing to come to a playoff team like Edmonton for a chance at another cup.
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