Top 3 Oilers players that should be traded this offseason

The Oilers squad was well versed this past season as a combined unit, hugely because of head coach Kris Knoblauch and the efforts of the coaching staff to work on each player individually. This in turn helped everyone take their respective games to another level on the ice.

This was the opportunity for management to determine whether any assets would emerge to move in a trade scenario, to bring in a more than decent return to help the team's needs and strengthen the core. This scenario became more of a reality, after the development of some of their prospects and younger players during this past season.

The Edmonton Oilers showed great heart, achieved a dominating type of gameplay with the new coaching staff. The players showed an improved, well-rounded game that complimented the team's nickname as the City of Champions, even though they ultimately lost game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

This is the time to shake up the roster by polishing off three contracts, promoting minor league stars into the squad, and seeing where the past year's progress has taken them. Developing future stars on the team would impact the farm league so that quality players can act.

Who are the three players who might be traded on the Oilers roster?

The first player who comes to mind would be defenceman Codi Ceci. This past season, he was a plus/minus rating of +12 and had five goals and 20 assists. His plus results complement his skating ability, and he deserves a fresh start on another team in a leading role capacity. Which may define his career more progressively.

Ceci is a third pairing defenceman and, more importantly, a productive defenceman. He can be a more important figure with a team that needs a younger type of player with ample playoff experience, who would bring a considerable veteran experience to the team.

Ceci's lack of production with the Oilers and his costly mistakes on three critical shifts in the playoffs, make him a prime target to trade. The return would bring in a suitable package of players that would complement the farm team of the Oilers and generate more of a prime youth presence to utilise during the regular season and the playoffs.

Trade of wait on Holloway?

The next candidate would have to be forward Dylan Holloway. His downward spiral was considered, and it might just be a temporary issue. However, his lack of production should indicate that he also may need a fresh start to his career, away from the Oilers.

A third line left winger, Holloway scored six goals and had nine assists this past season. He displayed a poor effort during the regular season, but followed this with a strong performance in the playoffs.

The forward would be a good choice for another NHL team to trade for, as a backup goal-scoring option edition, with some comparing his game to that of Sean Monahan. However, the Oilers may wait a little longer to see if and how he progresses, and potentially keep him around for the long term.

The third player on the list would have to be defenceman Brett Kulak. His decline also showed that he may not be a good fit for the team. He scored three goals and recorded 13 assists, which makes him an excellent candidate to be a depth player on a rising team such as the Chicago Blackhawks or Pittsburgh Penguins.

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