Edmonton Oilers connected to overpaying for grinder forward in trade

The Edmonton Oilers are exploring all avenues to acquire upgrades at the trade deadline this season, and NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes one match could be grinder forward Michael McCarron.

The Oilers have previously been connected to acquiring a tough, versatile forward, and a grinder center like McCaron could fit that option, especially if they want more size.

NHL insider links Edmonton Oilers to Predators forward Michael McCarron

In a recent piece for Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli linked the Oilers to dealing for Michael McCarron as an option to upgrade their bottom six forward group.

McCarron makes a cheaper $900K salary, but could cost the Oilers a second round draft pick to acquire.

The Oilers have been looking for a fourth-line center all season long, preferably one that would provide a little speed. But McCarron would bring an entirely different element. He's 6-foot-6, he skates well for a big man, and he would add a dash of truculence to the Oilers' lineup not seen since Zack Kassian.

In this deal, I chose to move Edmonton's own second-round pick in 2026 as opposed to the second-rounder from the Blues this season that came from the offer sheets.

- Frank Seravalli

McCarron is squarely a fourth line forward with his production of 2 goals and 7 points in 46 games this season. He could perhaps provide a physical presence and penalty killing in the playoffs.

However, these are not the skills the Oilers should be spending a second round draft pick on. Without a first round pick this year, that second may be their most preferred bargaining chip - and it could be used instead on a defenceman or goalie instead of a grinder forward.

When the price for Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club could be a second round draft pick, spending that level of an asset on a grinder would be a horribly disappointing deadline.

However, Seravalli was operating under the assumption that Evander Kane will return before the trade deadline. If Kane does return, the Oilers will have zero space to add in trade without subtracting from the team.

Thankfully, the piece came more with the air of speculation, but it is a reality that the Oilers may be handcuffed to add at the deadline, and may pay a premium for a grinder forward. That may be the worst case scenario for the Oilers deadline.