Ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, it was widely believed -- quite correctly by the way -- that the Edmonton Oilers needed some help on the blue line. The unit which had helped the team advance to the Stanley Cup Final last season, had lost Philip Broberg, Cody Ceci and Vincent Desharnais, albeit for different reasons.
Now 11 games into the season, nothing has changed in respect of a defensive upgrade still being required. Following Saturday's slate of games, the Oilers are ranked 11th-worst in average goals-per-game allowed, fourth-worst in team goalie save percentage, and bottom of the entire NHL in penalty kill efficiency.
As such, even with this season's trade deadline effectively still four months away, it's no surprise to already hear rumblings about the Oilers' working the phone lines and looking to make a move for someone. What may surprise people though, is who they've been linked with.
The Oilers want who?!?!
Giving due credit to Ryan Hall of Oilers Daily, the Oilers are apparently interested in Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks. As per Hall, this was revealed by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who is one of the most highly respected hockey journalists out there.
However, it has to be noted that it's all in the wording. Of course the Oilers would be interested in Jones - but who wouldn't want to trade for a first pairing defenceman, with so much talent, durability and experience?
Ultimately though, there is little-to-no chance that general manager Stan Bowman will have any luck in acquiring the five-time NHL All-Star. And yes, the number one reason is money.
The stuff of fantasy
Jones is in just the third season of an eight-year, $76 million deal, which means an average annual value of $9.5 million. Quite how the Oilers would even begin to afford this would require some wizardry on a level which would be right out of Hollywood in terms of its feasibility.
As per PuckPedia, at the time of writing the Oilers have cap space of just under $4,746 million. However, don't forget Evander Kane and his $5.125 million are expected to come off Long-Term Injured Reserve at some point this season.
Even if the Oilers manage to keep Kane off the roster until the start of the playoffs, you still have to think further down the road. In particular, looking to agree new deals with Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid for next season and 2026-27 respectively, with neither coming cheap.
There is also the consideration of what the Oilers would need to offer in return for Jones, with the price tag undoubtedly going to be an expensive one. Of course in an ideal world the Blackhawks would take on Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million annual cap hit, but again, we're digressing back to the world of Hollywood.
Pure and simple, this is a trade which isn't going to come to fruition, or even really get off the ground full stop. Yes we'd be more than fine with being proven wrong, but this is one prediction we feel 100 percent confident in making.