3 Oilers Trade Deadline Rumors We’re Glad That Never Happened

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Let be glad the Oilers didn't trade for Karlsson

DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 7: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks skates against the Colorado Avalanche in a game at Ball Arena on March 7, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

RD Erik Karlsson

This trade rumour had some wheels right until the deadline, even after the Oilers were able to acquire right-hand defenseman Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators, the Erik Karlsson to Edmonton Oilers did not stop. How could it? The idea of Karlsson quarterbacking the Oilers’ power play which is already tops in the league is mouthwatering. However, trading for Karlsson during the deadline did not make much sense for the Oilers to pull the trigger.

Could Edmonton have done it? Absolutely! But it would take a ton of navigating from Holland just to make it work as Karlsson is signed through the 2026-2027 season with a massive cap hit of $11.5 million. In order for the Oilers to be able to make this deal, they have to convince San Jose to retain some of Karlsson’s salary and convince another team to acquire part of Karlsson’s salary as well. That is a lot of maneuvering for one transaction to make.

The Karlsson to Edmonton trade might get revisited in the offseason, but for now, the Oilers did not have enough cap space to squeeze in the rejuvenated defenseman to their lineup. This trade rumour will be the one that will linger all throughout this year.

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