Edmonton Oilers left wing Viktor Arvidsson. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oilers trading top-six forward looks more likely after significant demotion in lineup

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 2:25 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers have demoted forward Viktor Arvidsson to the fourth line, which will further speculation that he could be traded as a salary cap dump.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli has suggested earlier the Oilers could trade Arvidsson to free up cap space, as Jeff Skinner can use his no-move clause to block a trade.

Oilers trading Viktor Arvidsson looks like possibility after demotion to the fourth line

At practice, Oilers coach Knoblauch demoted Arvidsson to the fourth line in place of top prospect Matthew Savoie, playing on the second line with Draisaitl.

Nuge - McDavid - Hyman
Savoie - Draisaitl - Podkolzin
Skinner - Janmark - Perry
Arvidsson - Henrique - Brown
Ekholm - Bouchard
Nurse - Klingberg
Kulak - Emberson

Skinner Pickard

Matthew Savoie is being called up after dominating in the AHL this season, and if he makes a good enough impression, it's possible that he commands a roster spot for the rest of the season.

Savoie is a player with offensive skill and also has earned praise for his defensive play in the AHL. If he can translate a 200-foot game with scoring alongside Draisaitl for a salary of $886K, he would make another winger disposable.

Viktor Arvidsson emerging as candidate for cap dump trade with demotion to fourth line

Arvidsson is falling to the fourth line after struggling to find a consistent groove with the Oilers all season. He's played through injuries much of the season, but only for a while was able to bring his best hockey.

Oilers analysts have called out Arvidsson for having the worst year of his career this year. Only 7 goals and 18 points in 40 games is a disappointment alongside Draisaitl, especially at $4M for two years. Arvidsson does not have any trade protection, either.

If Matthew Savoie can live up to expectations, it's possible the Oilers could deal Viktor Arvidsson to clear up $4M in cap space to address the blueline, or potentially goaltending in trade. If Evander Kane returns before playoffs, they may need to move him to clear the space.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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