NHL Insiders Link Oilers in Possible Blockbuster Trade for Two Penguins 30-Goal Scorers

With little cap space and a lot of competition, the marketplace is going to favor those teams that are willing to spend or trade high-end prospects. NHL analyst Levi Pike named the Pittsburgh Penguins as one potential trade partner.

Forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust are intriguing options, both capable of scoring 30 goals with team-friendly cap hits of roughly $5 million over the next three years.

'The rumour man, David Pagnotta, dropped in to have a chat on the Podcast of Hello Hockey. He suggested the Oilers are searching for a top-six scorer. Let's explore a potential target. The reason that the Pittsburgh Penguins have been targeted is that they possess two desirable forwards. Both Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell could put up 30 goals, and they do so economically. Both have very similar contracts remaining, around $5 million per year, for the next three years.'

- Levi Pike

That cost-effectiveness gives the Penguins' GM, Kyle Dubas, the leverage to demand a large return. And with Sidney Crosby not leaving, the Penguins are not in any particular rush to trade either player.

For the Oilers, staying with the NHL's elite can be done through an injection into the forward group. Though Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have delivered, behind them, there is a precipitous drop-off in scoring depth.

The Oilers need more than just Andrew Mangiapane in the event of injuries

Andrew Mangiapane's joining does help, though much more is needed, especially with injuries always being the playoff kiss of death.

Cap room is Edmonton's biggest challenge, where they have only $225,000 of space. Any actual improvement will likely have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out deal. Perhaps a player like Nicholas Robertson, who is headed for arbitration in Toronto, can be had.

But barring something unexpected occurring, the Oilers may have to wait and hope for a miracle.