Don’t Freak Out When…

So thefourthperiod.com has pulled a couple of pretty prominent names out of the Oilers hat and tossed them into their trade rumors. Those names being:

• Oscar Klefbom
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

This is what they had to say about those players:

As we reported earlier this afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers are willing to take calls on defenceman Oscar Klefbom, but only if it means bringing in a top-winger that can play alongside Connor McDavid.

The Oilers want to add speed to their lineup and lack a few wingers who can keep up with the likes of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Klefbom isn’t actively being shopped, but Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli isn’t hanging up the phone. According to multiple well-placed league sources, discussions have already taken place, though nothing is imminent.

I assume by keeping up with Connor and Leon that they’re talking about hockey IQ because I’m not 100% sure if it’s absolutely necessary the wingers who play with either need to be barn burners.

Now if the discussions have already taken place, that could mean anything. That could mean that Chiarelli talked to a GM about Oscar two years ago.

In addition to Klefbom, injured centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ name is popping up again. He’s expected to be out until the end of the month, or early March, but word on the street suggests he may be ahead of schedule.

Nugent-Hopkins has generated plenty of interest from a number of teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets, but he’s not going anywhere unless the Oilers can swap him out for a top-line winger or a top mobile defenceman.

So this isn’t really new news either. RNH has been on the block since the summer Hall was traded. If you think Hall was the first guy being offered out for Larsson or any other dman that summer, you’re sadly mistaken. Add to that the rumors that had Nuge connected to Tyson Barrie and Matt Dumba and you shouldn’t be surprised that his name is creeping up into the trade rumors as the deadline approaches.

I do agree, however, with the author here though. Unless it’s a top pairing (not Adam Larsson top pairing) dman or a LWer, with youth or term cheaper than RNH, the Oilers aren’t moving him. The GM and coach love having him on the team and rely on him a lot.

With the Ottawa Senators dangling sniper Mike Hoffman, could a Klefbom swap work for both clubs? Edmonton’s been disappointed in Klefbom’s play this season, so it’s entirely possible – unless they’re trying to aim higher.

I also wonder if the Oilers kick the tires on Arizona Coyotes star blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson, though Arizona may wait until the off-season to know if they’re drafting first-overall or not before deciding what route to take with OEL.

Hoffman is a guy I’ve wanted on the Oilers for quite some time now and a Klefbom for Hoffman deal could be one that I could get on board with but is it one that fits for the Senators right now? They’ve got Phaneuf they’re trying to trade (good luck!), Ceci is up for contract renewal, the Erik Karlsson drama is still unfolding, and Thomas Chabot is rounding into a solid NHLer.

I did toss out there the idea of trading both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins AND Oscar Klefbom for Oliver Ekman-Larsson recently though. I mean is there a team that could offer the Coyotes something better than a 1st line center and a top pairing defenseman?

What are your thoughts on the topic? Let us know in the comments below!