2 Trades The Oilers Could Pull Off This Off-Season

The Oilers need help as far as cap space goes. Paying a team to take the contract of Zack Kassian while receiving a D man in return is a farfetched dream that could become possible if the Oilers play their cards right. I like Mark Friedman for the Pittsburg Penguins. A 26 year old, 5’11, 185 pound defender with 9 points through 42 career NHL games. Friedman has a right shot, and seems to only be improving with every opportunity he gets. Getting a fresh start with the Oilers as a 6th, 7th D man could help his career, and it becomes a win-win situation for Edmonton who cleared up some money.

Kassian, 31, has 17 points through 52 games with the Oil this season. He stands at 6’3, 211 pounds and could be the much needed gritty player the Penguins have been searching for, for a few seasons. Now, this trade could happen with anybody and the Oilers will likely have to give up a 2nd round pick or better to have a team take on the full cap hit of Zack Kassian. But, this is a place to start.

With these two trades, the Oilers lineup could look as follows next season:

Kane – McDavid – Puljujarvi

Hyman – Draisaitl – Yamamoto

Holloway – RNH – Ryan

Foegele – McLeod – Free Agent Pickup

Nurse – Bouchard

Kulak – Soucy

Keith – Ceci

Friedman

The 4RW slot needs to be filled by someone the Oilers pickup that is willing to fill a middle six role and is good at doing it. With Keith likely coming back next season, he and Ceci would continue to play together on either the 2nd or 3rd pairing with Friedman coming in as the 7th D man. If he retires though, it opens up a spot for Friedman as he has played both sides with the Penguins and being a young player, he could adapt into the position the team needs him to play.