Edmonton Oilers in trade talks with Nashville Predators, says NHL insider

The Edmonton Oilers are slightly floundering so far this year with a mediocre start, which may be expediting some trade talks, according to insider Elliotte Friedman.

In this morning's edition of the 32 Thoughts blog, Friedman named the Oilers and Predators specifically as a team currently discussing a trade.

"Trotz continues to look for a center, but that's not easy. When you're struggling, you get thrown anvils, not life-preservers. Looking around: Edmonton and Nashville."

The discussion comes after reports of Nashville seeking a shake-up trade because of their horrific start, which may work in the Oilers favour. Edmonton is seeking a defenseman in trade this year, and has been connected to two defenders on the Preds.

Dante Fabbro is potentially on the trade block and would be a direct fit for the Oilers. Fabbro is a 26-year-old right shot defenseman who is routinely put up good analytics results, and has only one year left on his contract paying him an affordable $2.5M. Fabbro was a former first round pick in 2016, but has struggled to be a regular player this year in Nashville.

Alexandre Carrier is another name the Oilers have been connected to in the past. A 28-year-old right shot defender, Carrier is a bit more established as an NHL defender. Carrier plays a higher role than Fabbro, also puts up positive analytics results in addition to his tough physical presence, and was a former defence partner to Mattias Ekholm.

The Oilers and the Predators seem to be perfect trading partners, but the issue may be the potential return. Nashville is looking for a centerman that the Oilers simply don't have available to trade — unless it's a prospect like Noah Philp. If the two teams strike a deal, it'll more than likely involve draft picks on the Oilers side.

We'll have to see how it shakes out, but if the Predators and Oilers continue on their disappointing starts to the season, a shake-up trade is becoming more of a possibility.