5 Players The Edmonton Oilers Should Try to Pry From The Pittsburgh Penguins at the Deadline?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are unlikely to make the playoff, if they choose to be sellers at the deadline, the Edmonton Oilers should be buyers.
Feb 15, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates
Feb 15, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates / Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Could Oilers go after Jake Guentzel
Dec 8, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Potential Trade Targets

Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel, the talented forward of the Pittsburgh Penguins, could be a perfect addition to the Edmonton Oilers roster. The Oilers, perennial contenders in the NHL, could greatly benefit from Guentzel's skill set and versatility.

First and foremost, Guentzel brings scoring prowess to the table. He has consistently proven himself as a reliable goal-scorer, capable of finding the back of the net in various situations. His ability to finish plays, coupled with his hockey IQ, would provide the Oilers with an additional offensive threat to complement their star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Guentzel's offensive instincts would undoubtedly thrive playing alongside such dynamic talents, creating a potent offensive trio that would be challenging for any opposing team to contain.

Moreover, Guentzel's playoff experience would be invaluable to the Oilers, especially in their pursuit of postseason success. He has a knack for elevating his game when it matters most, as evidenced by his impressive performances in the playoffs, including his standout performance during the Penguins' Stanley Cup run in 2017. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver clutch goals would provide the Oilers with a significant boost in high-stakes situations.

Additionally, Guentzel's versatility would offer the Oilers flexibility in their lineup configurations. Whether deployed as a top-line winger or slotting into a secondary-scoring role, Guentzel has showcased the adaptability to excel in various situations. This flexibility would allow Oilers head coach to experiment with different line combinations and optimize the team's offensive output.

Furthermore, Guentzel's work ethic and competitiveness make him a perfect fit for the Oilers' culture. Known for his relentless drive and determination on the ice, Guentzel embodies the blue-collar mentality that resonates with Edmonton's passionate fan base. His commitment to his craft and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win would make him a beloved figure in Oil Country.

Jake Guentzel would be an excellent fit for the Edmonton Oilers due to his scoring ability, playoff experience, versatility, and work ethic. His addition would bolster the team's offensive firepower and provide them with a significant boost in their quest for postseason success.

An issue with Guentzel though, is that he is currently injured and not slated to come back till shortly after the trade deadline. This could make the cost to acquire him a lot lower though.