It was recently reported by TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun that the Edmonton Oilers were rumoured to be targeting a top-nine forward for the upcoming 2026 NHL trade deadline.
This is a position that fits the Oilers needs given their issues with their depth scoring and their struggles with generating chances from further down the lineup.
This dilemma has been on full display in recent games. When the Oilers eeked out a 6-5 victory in overtime over the Washington Capitals. Despite scoring six goals, all of them came from top line players; Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, and Connor McDavid.
As well, to finally get over the hump and win their third game in a row against the San Jose Sharks recently. The Oilers were down 3-0 but were rallied by their stars once again with goals from the same trio but with Leon Draisaitl chipping in as well.
It is clear that the Oilers must get more out of their depth forwards and there are plenty of potential trade candidates from the Oilers to pick from. The one that stands out above many is Columbus Blue Jackets captain, Boone Jenner.
Jenner and Oilers are perfect trade fit
A veteran leader, Jenner has plenty of qualities that make him and the Oilers a perfect fit. He has the ability to play both centre and wing up and down the lineup, giving him the versatility to be used in a variety of situations and in different line combinations if need be. This flexibility is a highly desirable trait for a rental, because if he does not work in one role, he may work in various different ones.
He brings grit and leadership which is needed in a playoff run and something that could help the Oilers top-nine. This year, he has scored 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 40 games, which is slightly above his career average pace of 43 (22 goals, 21 assists) over a full 82-game schedule. The 32 year old is an ideal acquisition for the Oilers both on the ice and would fit nicely into their payroll with a modest $3.75 million caphit that expires this summer.
The biggest deterrence may be his cost of acquisition, he has a desirable skillset and at a low cap cost, he is bound to attract multiple suitors. Looking at comparable historic deals, the price tag in terms of assets is usually quite high. Last season, Scott Laughton was dealt from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Toronto Maple Leafs and cost a first round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin. The good sign for the Oilers is that Laughton had another year left on his contract, which may bring the cost down on Jenner.
If the Oilers are able to get Jenner at a lower price tag, he is a player they should definitely consider ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline.