Back in November, we wrote about how Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in Seth Jones. Well, now a potential deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks defenceman has been proposed -- at least in a manner of speaking -- as we edge ever closer to the Mar. 7 trade deadline.
Josh Wegman of the Score is one of five company NHL editors who have suggested five hypothetical trade deadline deals, with his one specifically involving the Oilers and Jones. In return, the Blackawks would receive Jeff Skinner, Matt Savoie and a 2025 second round pick (via the St. Louis Blues).
Wegman also takes care of the Oilers' tight salary cap situation, by proposing the Blackhawks retain $1.5 million of Jones' annual salary. However, this still means Edmonton having to pay the blue liner $8 million per season, in a contract which is only in the third year of eight overall.
Too much of a contract for the Oilers to overcome
The length of the deal in itself -- regardless of if it is for $8 million or the full $9.5 million per season or not -- is reason alone for why the Oilers might not want to take the risk. Consider that Jones will be 35 by the conclusion of the contract, which comes with concern in its own right in the world of the NHL.
On the flip side, if the Oilers truly are in a win-now mode, bringing in a durable and legitimate top-four pairing who is capable of logging big minutes, is admittedly enticing. Particularly for general manager Stan Bowman, who has made no secret of being a big fan of Jones.
Including Skinner as part of the return package makes sense, for a player who is only on a one-year deal worth $3 million and has mostly been a disappointment during his time in Edmonton. Although there is also the no-so-small matter of the 32-year-old winger having a no-movement clause in his contract.
As for Savoie, should the Oilers really be looking to move their top prospect, especially when the farm system is overall one of the worst in the entire NHL? It will be interesting to see what opportunities he gets to prove himself in the seven games remaining for the team prior to the trade deadline, and how that impacts his future.
Overall, while we understand the principle idea behind the trade scenario and how it would help the Oilers today, there's just too much uncertainty surrounding what it involves as Wegman presents it. At the end of the day, Jones is not likely to end up in Edmonton in the next two weeks.
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