Edmonton Oilers Trade Talk: “This wouldn’t be too complex of a trade to pull off…”

Today, we’re going to go over TWO very interesting mock trade proposals floating about in the oilogosphere and we’ll also re-visit an old rumor that seems to keep popping up.

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

Good Offer, Bad Timing

“The possibility of Jake Guentzel joining the Edmonton Oilers has sparked diverse opinions, with a proposed mock trade scenario in the mix… The deal, as proposed by NHL Network is: Oilers get Jake Guentzel, while the Penguins get Warren Foegele, defense prospect Beau Akey, the Oilers’ 2024 first-round pick, and the Oilers’ 2025 third-round pick.” – NHL Trade Talk

While I think that’s a pretty good deal for a 40 goal scorer, I don’t think it’s going to happen and the reason for that is, Ken Holland doesn’t trade first rounders for rentals. In addition to that, even if the Oilers are granted permission to explore a contract extension with Guentzel, he’s out of their price range thanks to the Connor Brown signing, Evan Bouchard’s emergence as an $8M dman, and the need to re-sign the likes of Vinnie Desharnais and a backup goalie.
I think the other thing to add here is that while the offer is good for Edmonton, it’s kind of shite for Pittsburgh unless you think they’re getting a top-4 dman in Akey and another 40 goal scorer with this draft picks. I’d be willing to bet that when Guentzel is dealt, the Penguins get a much better haul.
For example, I think the Rangers could offer Kaapo Kakko, Brennan Othmann/Gabe Perreault, and draft picks for him and that’s MILES better than what Edmonton’s going to offer plus Guentzel stays close in the U.S. and the Pens get some outstanding future pieces that are ready to contribute now staying with Kyle Dubas’ plan for his team.

Bringing in the Flower

“Respected analyst John Shannon also said during the intermission of Friday’s game between the Wild and Oilers that if Fleury decides he wants to see what’s out there, Guerin will trade him. And, Shannon says, “he won’t get much for him,” hinting that the return is not the priority. The suggestion was that this move would be more about Guerin and Fleury being friends and doing right by him as his career winds down.” – The Hockey Writers

I’d love it but just as with Guentzel, there are simply better teams with more to offer than Edmonton.
Do you think Guerin would do both the Oilers and Fleury the favor here? I’m skeptical.
Dallas, Vancouver, Florida, Colorado, Toronto, possibly Detroit all could offer more than the Oilers and are better teams. Vegas? Are they another one?
So, I’m thinking the Oilers are betting on the confidence other players around the league have in McDavid and Draisaitl with this trade targets. It’s very short-sighted and could leave them standing alone at the alter on trade deadline day.

Another Decent Trade Proposal

“Pavel Buchnevich from the St. Louis Blues seems to be an ideal option for the Oilers, and the two teams could emerge as trade partners… This wouldn’t be too complex of a trade to pull off, but the Oilers will have to be willing to part with someone who fits well with their team if they want the Blues to indulge their trade offer. Realistically, a trade looks like the Oilers acquiring Buchnevich in exchange for Foegele, Xavier Bourgault, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick.” – The Hockey Writers

Another really decent proposal! But while that extra year on his $5.8M.yr deal is good and explains why the 1st rounder is in there, the money doesn’t work, does it? I don’t think the Oilers can afford to add $5.8M of salary onto next seasons books.
Maybe they could pay an extra 1st rounder to another team to eat half of that contract and then they’d have themselves one helluva 2RW because he plays in all situations and he’s no shrinking violet. He gets in there and mucks it up. Fans would like him.
Conversely, I think it would pay massive dividends for the Oilers to play Dylan Holloway more because he’s got all of the tools to be a middle-6 forward and throughout his entire career he’s come on in the latter halves of his seasons.

Other Options?

There’s a 22yr old Swedish kid out in NJ named Holtz. He’s got 13 goals this year, he plays RW, but he’s only playing 11:39 a night. He’s a shooter and very skilled, but you wonder if there’d be an appetite from the Devils to cash in on this guy if they’re not interested in playing him any higher than the 4th line? He can’t beat out Curtis Lazar or Dawson Mercer? That’s what I’m reading here?
Columbus also has a handful of young goal-scoring wingers that would look good on Leon’s wing. Chinakhov, Voronkov, and Marchenko have combined for 48 goals this year but the Blue Jackets are going nowhere fast. Voronkov and Marchenko are over 6’3″ as well…

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