Today, we’re talking Guentzel, the likelihood of Philip Broberg being dealt, and a mock trade idea involving the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.
Now, I’ll be honest, I’m getting tired of talking about Guentzel and now that he’s dinged up, I’m hoping that talk dies down a bit and some fresh names enter the chat. Another thing that’s giving me grey hairs is all this talk about Broberg getting moved. I don’t think that’s happening either. I do, however, think there’s a chance that Ken Holland blesses this team with one last blockbuster before he rides off into the sunset.
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
Balancing the Roster
“In the most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted that GM Kyle Dubas is looking for a return similar to what Claude Giroux got when traded by the Philadelphia Flyers. Initially rumored for the Colorado Avalanche, ultimately joined the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 1st-rounder, 3rd-rounder, and Owen Tippett. Friedman suggests that if the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel becomes available, Pittsburgh may seek a similar deal.” – NHL Trade Talk
- I don’t think Edmonton’s doing it unless they get a player back with term OR a new deal’s been negotiated with Guentzel’s camp prior to the trade and to me, that seems short-sighted for both parties.
- Can the Oilers afford another $8M+ player in their top-six? I don’t think so. Not with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard’s deals expiring shortly.
- They need another budget winger on Leon’s line. That could be the aforementioned Daniel Sprong. It could be a friendly deal from an ex-Oiler like David Perron or Jordan Eberle. It could be somebody homegrown like Rafa Lavoie…
- The roster needs more balance and throwing another heavyweight in the top-six does the opposite of that.
- And there’s this:
FWIW.
IMO i don’t see the @EdmontonOilers moving either Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg in a deadline deal for a rental.
Holloway is fast, physical and at minimum a 3rd liner long-term.
Broberg is playing huge mins with the @Condors
I see him full-time in EDM next season.— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) February 9, 2024
Not Gonna Do it! Wouldn’t be Prudent
“In a recent article for The Athletic, Daniel Nugent-Bowman quoted Holland who, when asked about a Broberg trade, said, “No. I don’t see it.” He added, “It’s hard to find 6-foot-4 young defencemen.” Holland understands the crossroads he is at with his team this season. They feel the need to add to their roster, and typically, you have to give to get, but there are some players you just don’t want to give. – NHL Trade Talk
- So I’ve said it, Stauffer’s said it, and now the GM of the team is saying it. Broberg’s staying.
- I know Friedman and Marek are still talking about the young Swede being one of Edmonton’s most valuable assets right now and that could be them not being convinced about what the team is saying or it could be them just drumming shit up.
- I’ll stand by my comments made on January 18th, 2024, though. I think the plan is to keep Broberg and play him with Ekholm OR he’ll replace Kulak. He’s ready.
Swinging for the Fences
“I think you guys are trying to hit at least one home run and the question is: What do you decide that that home run is going to be?
The guy I think who Edmonton rates the highest is (Jake) Guentzel (of the Pittsburgh Penguins). Now I’m not saying that that is going to happen, but I think that’s the guy that they rate the highest as who is available out there. Well, if you’re really going to reasonably get a guy like Jake Guentzel, it’s going to cost you your best assets. The best of what you have is going to go to get him.” – Elliotte Friedman
- I’m not convinced that the Oilers will have enough to get their hands on Guentzel, but with that said, I could see them making big waves at the deadline. It’s Ken Holland’s last kick at the can and he’s going to do his best to reward this group.
- The other thing that leads me to believe that Edmonton might make a big splash is by looking back at last year’s deadline acquisition, Mattias Ekholm. Remember all the pissing and moaning from the local Oilers media regarding how Tyson Barrie would sorely be missed? I could definitely see another one of those deals coming. I wonder if Evander Kane could be the guy that is this year’s Tyson Barrie?
- My guess is that IF the Oilers did make a move involving Kane that they’d want a winger in return that has term on his deal still. A guy like Travis Konecny maybe? Is there a mega-deal being negotiated that would see Konecny, Walker, and Laughton (with a splash of retained salary) go to Edmonton for Kane, Ceci, and multiple picks?
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