The Edmonton Oilers once again find themselves being Stanely Cup contenders. With the team's window to win the Cup open right now they are likely going to be going all in this year again at and around the trade deadline. The closer we get to the deadline the more rumors start to fly around this team about players that could be brought in to help this team. But what do the Oilers really have to part with in order to secure these impactful players?
Draft Picks: The Most Obvious Asset
While the Edmonton Oilers do not have their first, fourth or fifth round picks this coming draft they do have all their picks for the 2026 draft as well as most of the 2027 draft. With the spot of the team being win now, picks are prime candidates to be traded to bring in the help needed. With most rental high-end rental players being at least a first-round pick, I would be surprised if the Oilers manage to still have them after deadline day this year.
Prospects: Is The Trade Off Worth It?
First of all, it is not like the Oilers have the deepest prospect pool that will draw the attention of some other teams, but of the ones they have there are a few of them that could help move the needle in a trade. Sam O'Reilly, Matt Savoie and Beau Akey are the main prospects that I could see the Oilers trading away. The issue with this is trading these players away will only deplete the Oilers prospect pool even more. Stan Bowman will need to make the call on when to draw the line on kill the future of this frachise, because the cupboards are quite bare already. How much more bare do we want them?
Roster Players: Plugging One Hole To Fill Another
Due to the fact that the Edmonton Oilers are currently so tight to the cap another potential thing they might do and will almost have to do it trade a player from the current roster to bring in another player. The thing with the Oilers is they have fairly good depth in their lineup right now and everyone is playing well. The only player I could see the Oilers moving on from are Brett Kulak. The reason being is that is the spot they would be looking to upgrade on. The team is playing solid right now it is hard to see who would be moved.
For the Oilers to make a trade that would push them into Stanley Cup contention, the cost will likely involve a combination of high draft picks and a prospect. Depending on the incoming player, salary cap considerations may also force them to include a roster player in the deal. Ultimately, the team must weigh the risks of mortgaging their future against the rewards of maximizing their current window with McDavid and Draisaitl. With a deep playoff run last season proving the team’s potential, the stakes have never been higher.