Oilers Deadline Buzz: Bigger Trade Coming After Murphy?

Adam Henrique reportedly refuses to waive his no-trade clause. This adds to the complexity of this situation. Without this flexibility in his salary, GM Stan Bowman would have to get creative elsewhere. For the enjoyment of Edmonton fans, Bowman has shown his willingness to get creative with cap gymnastics, third-party retention, and trading with multiple teams to make a splash.

If the Oilers are looking for a center to round out their “storm,” here are three possibilities:

Robert Thomas: The Blockbuster Swing

Robert Thomas would be the boldest possible move. The St. Louis Blues center is young, talented, and signed for the long haul. He plays a key driver position and is one of the elite playmakers at the NHL level. He would instantly elevate Edmonton’s second-line center position.

But the cost would be enormous and unrealistic, to be honest.

But a realistic starting point would be Ike Howard, one of Edmonton’s top prospects, a first-round pick, and a young player on the active roster. Salary retention on Mangiapane’s contract would be needed. Salary retention from the Blues would be needed as well.

Possible Trade Package:

• Ike Howard
• 2027 First-Round Pick
• Andrew Mangiapane
• Conditional mid-round pick
• Beau Akey

But the salary does not work unless Henrique is packaged in a different deal and salary is retained. Oilers are money in and money out. This is a franchise-altering move. Robert Thomas would not only plug a hole; he would redefine the Oilers’ depth chart at the center position for the next decade.

Ryan O’Reilly: The Proven Playoff Veteran

If Edmonton is looking for experience, Ryan O’Reilly is a player who makes sense. He is a Conn Smythe winner and a two-way player who can play all situations. While he would not come at the cost of Thomas, it would not be a bargain either.

However, the issue is term and cap hit which would require Nashville to retain at least 900k. Nashville would want a first-round pick or a top prospect for the retained salary and for taking on Mangiapane for another year.

Possible Trade Package:

• 2027 First-Round Pick
• Mid-tier prospect
• Andrew Mangiapane
• 2026 Third-Round Pick

O’Reilly would immediately slot in as a strong second or third-line centre and provide matchup flexibility in the playoffs. His two-way reliability is exactly the type of addition contenders crave in March.

Nazem Kadri: The Grit Factor

Nazem Kadri is a player who brings an edge to the Oilers at times. He is physical, playoff-tested, and a threat offensively. It would not be easy for Calgary to deal him to a division opponent, but if the Flames decide to take the best possible offer rather than ignoring divisional rivals, the possibility exists. However, the return would need to expedite the rebuild.

Kadri has term on his contract; therefore, the Oilers would need cap space. Once again, Mangiapane would almost certainly be the player going back the other way. Much like the Thomas deal, Bowman would need to get creative with the salaries. Does Henrique waive? Finally does Darnel Nurse agree to waive to clear up space?

Possible Trade Package:

• 2027 First-Round Pick
• Viljami Marjala
• Andrew Mangiapane
• 2026 Third- Round Pick

Kadri would instantly make Edmonton harder to play against and could thrive behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, facing softer matchups.

The Bigger Picture

If Murphy was about stabilizing the blue line, the next move appears to be about maximizing the championship window. The Oilers don’t need a depth tweak, they need an impact centre.

Stan Bowman has navigated tight cap situations before. Multi-team trades, retained salary, and creative structuring are all in play. But one thing feels certain: Edmonton isn’t done.

If Murphy was the calm, the storm might be the acquisition of a top-line center that changes the Oilers’ playoff prospects.

And with the trade deadline looming, the pressure to make a deal continues to build.