Edmonton Oilers trade rumours: Targets and early trade options

Though the season is just getting underway, speculation about future moves is always afoot. There is still much for the Oilers to sort out, as is the case around the league. Throughout the season, the trade market will ebb and flow, and the equation between what the Oilers want and what the Oilers can afford will change focus as well. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some early season rumours.

Kirby Dach

Given Mike Babcock’s focus on handedness, it might be no surprise to hear some more specific requests from the Oilers coach. For now, it seems there is an appetite for a right-handed centre. This might be most relevant in face-off situations, especially defensively or late in games. While a full-time centre is ideal, even a righty with face-off proficiency might be an option.

The Oilers centre group is without many right-handed options. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Colton Dach, Trent Frederic, Mattias Janmark, Josh Samanski, and Viljami Marjala are all left shots.

Kirby Dach is a right-handed centre with lots of trade buzz. He is the most obvious candidate and could help stabilize the Oilers’ top-nine. A trade for Shane Wright might be less impactful in the short term and more expensive to pull off. There are not a ton of obvious UFA candidates, with Tyler Seguin and Ryan Strome unlikely to be moved, and with Nic Roy, Nic Dowd, Kevin Stenlund, Michael Amadio, and Cody Glass on teams looking to win now. Nick Bjugstad, perhaps?

Internal competition

Rookie Owen Michaels is right-handed, but also completely unproven. At least for now, Michaels will have a chance to impress himself upon the lineup. Babcock usually has favourites that seem unexpected, but has praised Michaels’ play. Having depth and options at centre is always valuable, especially so when McDavid and Draisaitl are sharing a line, and Dickinson is injured.

By contrast, Babcock alluded to some curious things when discussing Samanski’s play. The coach clearly wants a more responsible, defence-first approach from Samanski. The vision is that bottom-six forwards will have utility and specialization. Forechecking, penalty killing, face-offs: it is often a commitment to the dirty work that is the expectation. By contrast, this might spell out exactly what Michaels is doing to impress Babcock.

New landscape, new deadline?

The drastic rise in player salaries altered the offseason. With growing projections on the horizon, the landscape of the league has shifted. Every team now has more possibilities for their cap futures. At the same time, the players are exercising more control over their careers, notably with the exodus of Team USA’s Olympic team.

It should follow that things will be different at the trade deadline as well. It is difficult to predict the challenges and opportunities ahead, but there has already been a shift in the market. Could tenuous situations for Dylan Larkin or Connor Hellebuyck devolve to the point where Edmonton is an option? Unlikely, but whims can be fickle.

Scoring wingers

While Kirill Marchenko is off the market, traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Oilers’ reported interest in the winger might indicate some things. Clearly, the Oilers are not shy to add a quality player regardless of position. A big, fast, scoring winger is welcome on most any team.

Some expect the Oilers to add a winger near the trade deadline. Time will tell how eager the team is to look for upgrades, especially with young talents like Matthew Savoie and Isaac Howard on the roster. It could be that the Oilers were untouched by a good player, or it might be that they are eager to add a bit more scoring punch.

Unspoken

Left unsaid is a lack of rumours about the Oilers blueline and goaltending. The goaltending might be a rough month away from the usual fervour, and grace comes easy before goals have been conceded. Perhaps the Oilers are content to give this group some leash behind what should be an improved defensive structure.

The blueline does seem as strong as ever. The Oilers have kept both Spencer Stastney and Ty Emberson on the roster as well, giving them eight quality options to work with. Naturally, there does not seem to be much appetite for an upgrade here. Alexander Nikishin is still without a contract, for example. Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski are likely far too expensive, but perhaps Vince Dunn or Erik Karlsson could shake loose if their teams disappoint.

Photo Credits: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty