5 Players The Edmonton Oilers Should Trade For From The Jets
Connor Hellebuyck
The possibility of the Edmonton Oilers acquiring goaltender Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets is something to consider. While there are certainly arguments to be made for and against this potential trade, I believe that the Oilers would benefit greatly from adding Hellebuyck to their roster.
First and foremost, Hellebuyck is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL right now. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2020 as the league’s best goaltender and has consistently put up strong numbers over the past few seasons. In 2020-21, he posted a .916 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average, while playing behind a Jets defence that was often shaky at best. The Oilers, on the other hand, have been struggling to find consistent goaltending for years now. Adding a proven performer like Hellebuyck would go a long way toward shoring up that position.
Another factor to consider is the Oilers’ current roster makeup. While they have some talented forwards in the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, their defence and goaltending have been major areas of concern. Hellebuyck would provide a stabilizing presence in net, which would in turn take some pressure off of the defensemen. Furthermore, Hellebuyck’s ability to play a high volume of games could be a huge asset to the Oilers. The team has struggled with goaltending depth in recent seasons, and having a reliable starter who can play 60+ games would be a huge boost.
Of course, there are some potential downsides to this trade as well. The biggest issue would be the cost of acquiring Hellebuyck. The Jets would undoubtedly demand a high price for their star goaltender, and the Oilers would have to decide whether or not they’re willing to part with the assets that it would take to make this trade happen. Additionally, Hellebuyck is signed at a cap hit of $6.16 million, which could be a significant financial commitment for the Oilers.
Overall, I believe that the potential benefits of trading for Connor Hellebuyck outweigh the risks. The Oilers desperately need consistent goaltending in order to compete in the tough Western Conference, and Hellebuyck would provide just that. While the cost of acquiring him would be steep, the Oilers have some promising young players in their system that they could potentially use as trade bait. If they can make this trade happen without sacrificing too much of their future, it could be a game-changer for the franchise.
Mark Scheifele
Despite having some talented players on their roster, they have been unable to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup. One player who could help change their fortunes is two-way center Mark Scheifele. Here are a few reasons why the Oilers should consider trading for him.
First and foremost, Scheifele is an elite center. He has consistently been one of the best players in the league over the past few seasons. He is a reliable two-way player who can contribute in all situations. He is a great skater, has excellent vision, and can score goals. He would be a great addition to the Oilers’ top six and would give them a legitimate number three center.
Secondly, Scheifele is still relatively young. He is only 30 years old, so he still has several years of prime hockey left. This is important for the Oilers, who are hopefully going to go on a deep playoff run. Scheifele could provide a long-term solution at center for the Oilers if they were able to re-sign him for a reasonable amount.
Thirdly, Scheifele has a winning pedigree. He has been a key player for the Winnipeg Jets over the past few years, helping them make the playoffs and even reach the Western Conference Finals in 2018. He knows what it takes to win in the NHL and could bring that experience to the Oilers.
Just like with Hellebuyck though, the cost to bring in Scheifele will be a large one. The former 7th overall pick has averaged just under a point a game throughout his career and those types of players aren’t going to be cheap to acquire.
In conclusion, Mark Scheifele would be a great addition to the Edmonton Oilers. He is an elite center, still relatively young, and has a winning pedigree, but his cost may be too high. Trading for him would be a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way for the Oilers.
Nino Niederreiter
The Edmonton Oilers should seriously consider trading for Nino Niederreiter if they want to improve their performance next season. Niederreiter is a skilled winger who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and his experience in the NHL makes him a valuable asset for any team.
One of the main reasons why the Oilers should pursue Niederreiter is his versatility. He has shown that he can play on any line on either wing and in any situation, making him a valuable addition to the team’s roster. Additionally, he has a proven track record of being a reliable scorer who can contribute to the team’s offensive output.
Another reason why the Oilers should trade for Niederreiter is his defensive ability. He is known for his strong backchecking and his ability to disrupt opposing teams’ offensive strategies. This would be a huge asset for the Oilers, who have struggled with their defensive play in recent years.
In addition to his skills on the ice, Niederreiter seems like he would be a great fit for the Oilers’ team culture. He comes off as a hard worker who is dedicated to his craft, and his positive attitude and leadership skills would be a great addition to the team’s locker room. He would be a great role model for younger players and could help to build a strong team culture in Edmonton.
Of course, there are always risks associated with making a trade, and the Oilers would need to weigh the potential benefits against the cost of acquiring Niederreiter. However, given his skills and experience, it seems likely that he would be a valuable addition to the team and could help to improve their performance next season.
Overall, the Edmonton Oilers should seriously consider trading for Nino Niederreiter. He is a skilled and versatile player who could contribute both offensively and defensively, and his positive attitude and leadership skills would be a great addition to the team’s locker room. If the Oilers are serious about improving their performance next post-season, Niederreiter would be a great place to start.
Brenden Dillon
I believe that the team should strongly consider making a trade for Brenden Dillon. While the Oilers have a solid defensive core, adding Dillon to the mix would provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of success.
Dillon is a veteran defenseman who has demonstrated his value to his teams in the past playing over 800 games. He has a reputation for being a physical and aggressive player, who is not afraid to lay down hits and protect his teammates. He would bring a much-needed physical presence to the Oilers’ blue line, which would help deter opposing teams from taking liberties with Edmonton’s star players.
Moreover, Dillon’s defensive abilities would be a great asset to the Oilers. He is a strong skater who is capable of shutting down opposing forwards and disrupting their offensive plays. He is also a reliable shot-blocker, which would be extremely valuable on a team that struggles with preventing high-quality scoring chances.
In terms of his contract, Dillon is currently signed to a four-year deal with an average annual value of $3.9 million. While this may seem like a significant investment, the Oilers could make the cap space to make it work.
Of course, any trade for Dillon would require the Oilers to give up something in return. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what the Winnipeg Jets would want in exchange for Dillon, it’s likely that the price tag would be relatively high. However, given the Oilers’ recent success and the potential for Dillon to take the team to the next level, it’s a trade that would be worth exploring.
In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers should strongly consider making a trade for Brenden Dillon. He would bring a physical presence, defensive prowess, and veteran leadership to the team, all of which would greatly increase their chances of success. While it may require giving up some valuable assets, the potential payoff is well worth the investment.
Dylan DeMelo
It’s clear to me that the team could benefit from some defensive reinforcements. While there may be certainly a number of talented defensemen available on the market, one player that could really make a difference for the Oilers is Dylan DeMelo.
DeMelo has proven himself to be a reliable and effective defenseman over the course of his career. He’s a strong skater with good defensive instincts, and he’s also capable of contributing offensively when given the opportunity. With the Oilers struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, DeMelo’s defensive skills could be just what they need.
Of course, adding a player like DeMelo would come at a cost. The Oilers would likely have to give up some assets in order to acquire him. However, given the team’s current situation, I believe that it would be a worthwhile investment. With the Oilers’ Stanley Cup hopes hanging in the balance, they need to do everything they can to improve their chances of success.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the Edmonton Oilers should at least ponder the chance to trade for Dylan DeMelo. He’s a talented defenseman with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, and he could be just what the team needs to turn their season around. While there may be some short-term costs associated with acquiring him, I believe that the long-term benefits would more than justify the investment.
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At the end of the day if the Winnipeg Jets are in the hunt for a playoff spot I don’t think they are going to move any players, but they are in a tough division and they may be in tough this season. Hopefully, if they are out of it the Edmonton Oilers can take advantage and get s good deal on some of these players.