Report: The Edmonton Oilers could trade for a top-ten pick in the NHL Draft?

Is Edmonton trying to acquire a first-round pick?

The most likely scenario is that Edmonton is just doing their due diligence and talking to prospects, even ones well out of their pick range, to be active and seeing what is out there. Mrtka just happened to be the one that had specified he had spoken to the Oilers. It would not be surprising to find out Edmonton has spoken with other prospects.

On the other hand, there is precedent for the Oilers to make a late trade to jump into the first round. It happened just last season, in fact, when they swapped firsts with the Philadelphia Flyers to pick Sam O’Reilly 32nd overall.

Speculation has been rampant this week with hockey insiders from all corners of the industry reporting that general managers are looking to trade up or down in this first round. Some teams see a weaker draft class or a target they want that would be available later. This is where the Oilers might be able to swoop in and select a player who would immediately become their top prospect.

Radim Mrtka in the Oilers organization?

Mrtka is a modern day defender. He already has a massive frame, standing at 6″6′ and weighing just over 200 pounds. He moves well on the ice. He knows how to contribute offensively. And he already possesses strong shutdown abilities defensively.

Playing top line minutes with the Seattle Thunderbirds this past season has shown just how good and versatile he can be. Mrtka does not fit the stereotype of a player whose skating suffers due to his size. He has enough pace to keep up and knows how to use his size and footwork to be one of the best shutdown defenders in this draft class.

He is no slouch offensively either, with some recognition as a stellar puck mover who can make difficult passes while initiating and joining the rush.

What may need more work in his game is consistency and the speed of his reads. Things you hope could be taught over time as he develops and grows more accustomed to the increasing pace of play.