I remember there being some talk about how the Oilers might have a quiet trade deadline, but for the life of me, they are getting connected to a lot of players this year. Mostly vets, mind you, but still. It’s really hard to believe that they’ll stand pat this season.
Today, we’re talking Fleury some more, Tanev, and The Fourth Period is saying that Oilers GM Ken Holland might be looking to beef up the bottom-six and suggests maybe Edmonton might be looking to make another Ekholm-like trade.
I should start prefacing these blogs with the fact that I write them a day in advance and because we’re getting so close to the deadline there’s a good chance I might write about a player or a team and it be old news by the time it gets to your beautiful eyes. If that happens, my apologies!
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The Latest Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumors
Remember When Jacques Plante Suited Up for the Oilers Back in the Day?
“When it comes to goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury will have the biggest impact. He’s earned the right to call his shot; nothing happens without his approval… This screams Carolina, Colorado or Edmonton, all playoff-bound. But, in some of those situations, he wouldn’t be the starter, so that factors in.”
- I don’t know, I talked about him the other day, I just don’t think Edmonton is going to have enough trade assets or cap space to get a deal for him done. In addition to that, I’m not really sure that netminding is a priority for them anymore.
Dealing with the Devil
“In the latest buzz surrounding the NHL trade market, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly eyeing veteran defenseman Chris Tanev. TSN’s Darren Dreger revealed on OverDrive that the Oilers have shown considerable interest in Tanev, emphasizing the team’s eagerness to bolster its defensive core. While not labeled as front-runners, the Oilers join a growing list of teams expressing interest in the seasoned player. – NHL Trade Talk
- He’s a UFA, so Edmonton’s not going to be paying a premium for Tanev. I imagine they might want to try and convince Craig Conroy to take on some young prospects who are close to NHL-ready and a contract like Brett Kulak.
- My favorite part of the article this quote came from is this,
- “Analysts agree that relying on Cody Ceci in the top four during the playoffs might not be an ideal scenario for the Oilers.”
- While I don’t necessarily disagree with the point, relying on a guy who is being held together by duct tape and band-aids is a much better idea? Yikes.
- Tanev also has some control over his destination with that M-NTC on his deal. My guess is that he goes to Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, or Boston. Maybe the Jets if they come in with something tempting. I know Ottawa wants him bad but why would he agree to go there right now when he can try for a Cup and they sign with the Sens in the off-season.
- Jaycob Megna (CHI) and Sean Walker (PHI), in my opinion, would be better investments for the Oilers if they’re so hell-bent on upgrading on Ceci and Kulak.
Adding Functional Toughness and Size
“I think, I think, in terms of goaltending. I think that the focus has shifted a little bit more towards bringing in a mid-six guy and even the blue line and further upgrading the blue line.”
“Kenny Holland is looking at different options up front, can you further deepen this roster in your mid to lower six even after the Corey Perry addition? And what about the blue line? Can you get another physical type of presence? Like the Ekholm move that they last season?”
“You look at Montreal. Is it a David Savard, who has one year left on his contract that has a reasonable cap hit.” – David Pagnotta, The Fourth Period
- I don’t know if Edmonton goes after a Savard-type, to be honest. Is he better than Ceci? A debate probably could be had. But they’ve got 6’5″ 235lb+ right-shot Johnathan Kovacevic sitting there and he makes minimum wage plus he’s got another year on his deal.
- Pat Maroon, even after having back surgery, makes sense to me if you’re adding some functional beef to the bottom-six. He’s also on a cheap deal and it expires at season’s end.
- In terms of another Ekholm deal, they’d have to land Colton Parayko (STL) or John Carlson (WAS) for it to equal the shock factor.
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