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Happy Chiarelli Week

June 18, 2018, 9:32 AM ET [171 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter @SMaloughney

The week leading up to and including the NHL draft is an exciting time for hockey fans. Over the next 7 days we should have plenty to talk about ranging from draft picks selected, to trades and other player movements.

Peter Chiarelli in particular adores draft week. Taking a look at his tenure so far with the Oilers makes it clear that Chiarelli likes to take care of the big business during this time.

- Jordan Eberle For Ryan Strome - June 22nd 2017 (1 Day Before The Draft)
- Taylor Hall For Adam Larsson - June 29th 2016 (4 Days After The Draft)
- 2nd, 3rd, and 7th round Picks For Cam Talbot - June 27th 2015 (Day 2 Of The Draft)
- 16th Overall and 33rd Overall Picks For Griffin Reinhart - June 26 2015 (Day 1 Of The Draft)


Each of these trades represents a pattern, specifically it is the General Manager giving up high quality assets in the hope that the return will address an area of need. The success of this strategy is more than up for debate. We can argue the validity of these deals until we are blue in the face but the point here is that there is a strong chance we see Chiarelli make a deal this week.

Plenty of buzz has been generated over the past couple of weeks regarding Lucic being moved. Considering it is likely draft picks would be included to move #27’s contract such a deal would have to occur by the time the draft arrives.

During his presser Chiarelli did state that he felt the defense needed to be addressed. If the team is indeed looking to add a right shooting defenseman into the lineup history shows this is the week Peter will aim to address it.

There has been almost zero chatter about the 10th overall pick. Unless something quickly develops on draft day I find it highly unlikely that Edmonton trades that pick. Players like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Ty Smith, and others might be available when the Oilers reach the podium; any of them would help the Oilers weak prospect pool.

For fans who enjoy rumours, speculation and deals there is a good chance you will enjoy this week. For better or for worse there will at least be plenty of things to discuss by this time next Sunday.
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