Xavier Bourgault could be key in any Oilers trade

With trade rumors circulating concerning the Oilers, there is media speculation that Xavier Bourgault may need to be a key piece in any return package.

With a 2-9-1 record, the Edmonton Oilers have equalled their worst start in franchise history through 12 games. As such panic, and by extension speculation, is rife.

This includes rumors about the Oilers looking for a new goaltender. Along these lines, during Friday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet‘s Elliotte Frideman said:

"“There are people in the league who believe the Oilers were on the precipice of a big move on Wednesday. I don’t know what happened, I don’t know where it is, but I had people saying to me, ‘watch the Oilers in goal, they’re up to something’. And they weren’t talking about (Jack) Campbell."

This is extremely intriguing, alluding to the Oilers potentially being on the verge of completing a significant trade. Who were they going to bring in and who was going to be part of the return package?

There’s no way of knowing for sure at this point. However, it’s worth noting some interesting information hockey insider Darren Dreger shared during an appearance on TSN 690, when he said:

"“Maybe (Ken) Holland has to get more creative. You can still make meaningful trades, you just have to mortgage your future to do it. We’ve talked about Xavier Bourgault, he’s playing in the AHL as a piece the Montreal Canadiens have coveted for a while. I think the Oilers brass have been slipping a little bit on their development. Fair on unfair, that’s what I’ve heard. Could there be an opportunity there and what does that look like?”"

What makes this interesting, is that one of the goalies the Oilers have been linked with, is the Canadiens’ Jake Allen. Certainly, he’s a talented and big goaltender who could strengthen the situation between the pipes.

What to do about Bourgault?

The question is, should any attempts by the Oilers to improve their goalie position include — as Dreger put it — mortgaging their future? Is Bourgault worth giving up, even if there is some indication the organisation isn’t the best at developing their prospects?

In this respect, the 2021 22nd overall draft pick is considered the Oilers’ best prospect. He is a sure puck-handler, with a quick release and poachers instinct.

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In addition, Bourgault has also been working hard on improving his defensive game, to become a better two-way player. It was all on display during an impressive preseason, before he was assigned to Bakersfield.

The L’Islet, Quebec native has continued to perform well with the Condors, and is looking every bit like the player the Oilers hoped he would be when they drafted him. Again though, is he worth trading away to, for example, bring in Allen?

Is Allen worth the price?

In terms of Allen specifically we would be tempted to say no. He’s coming off a poor season which, while the Canadiens’ defence had a lot to answer for, makes you nervous.

Yes the 33-year-old has started this season well, but he did ship four goals on just nine shots in his last start versus the Lightening. While it’s just one game — and everyone’s entitled to a bad day at the ‘office’ — is putting him behind the Oilers’ own shaky blue line really a good idea?

There’s also Allen’s contract situation, with him carrying a cap hit of $3.85 million for both this season and next. The Oilers are already essentially right up against their salary cap ceiling.

If it’s Allen specifically that the Oilers do indeed want, it would be better to offer another player (or players), including someone such as Codi Ceci, Warren Foegele or — dare we say it — Jack Campbell. (Admittedly the latter options is a long shot.)

In respect of Bourgault, it would make more sense to consider trading him in return for someone such as Juuse Saros or Linus Ullmark. While neither is likely to move, they are more on the level or what it is worth mortgaging your future for.

Overall, this is a fascinating situation, with the Oilers in an extremely desperate position. They do need help in goal if they are to somehow save their season, but it remains to be seen how far they are prepared to go, to rectify this.