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The Chicago Blackhawks Are A Prefect Trade Partner For The Oilers

By Devon Hladunewich

Jan 28, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway (55) and Chicago Blackhawks defensemen Connor Murphy (5) battle for position while goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) defects a shot into the corner during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway (55) and Chicago Blackhawks defensemen Connor Murphy (5) battle for position while goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) defects a shot into the corner during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oilers could trade for Connor Murphy
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Connor Murphy #5 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at the United Center on November 05, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Connor Murphy

Another NHL veteran that would add stability to this team. Not only would he move Bouchard down the line up it would also make it so the Oilers don’t have to play Broberg and Desharnais every game.

Now Murphy isn’t the best player offensively, but that wouldn’t be his role. If Murphy joined the Oilers he would be on the second pairing and would likely play on the penalty kill. This would leave Bouchard to have softer defensive responsibilities, but still be able to play on the powerplay.

Murphy does have a couple more years left on his contract though as it doesn’t expire till 2026. So the Oilers would be on the hook for him till then. If he fits in well then that wouldn’t be an issue at all.

Nikita Zaitsev

Zaitsev is a slight upgrade on what Murphy would bring. He is a bit older than Murphy, but that wouldn’t matter as his contract is expiring at the end of this season. Zaitsev is a better defender than Zaitsev and it shows in his plus/minus.

On this not-good Chicago team, Zaitsev is a +4. However it must be noted that he has only played in 6 games so far this season, but the fact that he is positive is something to look at. On this current Oilers, only one player is in the positives and that is Cody Ceci at +2.

It is a real toss-up between the goaltending and the defense as to which area needs improvement more, but if it was up to me I would take a look at upgrading both of them if the Oilers could do it.

Next. There Still Is Hope For The Edmonton Oilers. dark

The Edmonton Oilers Cost Will Be High

For any real trade to be made by the Edmonton Oilers it is likely that Jack Campbell and his $5 million go the other way. In order for a team to eat that cap the cost will be high. Don’t be surprised if you see one or two, 1st round picks getting moved in a deal.

That being said if a move improves this team and can turn the season around then you have to make the deal. This team needs to win and win a lot on the way to the end of this season.

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