Mercifully we are almost out of the All-Star Break and back into real NHL action. The break came at an unfortunate time for the Oilers who were red hot through most of January. Two days from now, Edmonton needs to hit the ground running with a rematch against the Calgary Flames, followed by a game against the Champs and leading Central Division team in the Blues.
While the trade deadline is a month away, it makes much more sense for the Oilers to look at adding sooner rather than later. With the division as tight as it is (only a point separates 1st and 5th) teams should be doing anything they can to separate themselves from the pack.
As well, players need to to acclimatize to a new team, system, city, and overall environment. Sheahan and Archibald took half a season to adjust to the Oilers. This isn't always the case but the more time a team can give a player to adjust the more they can get out of them.
It's for these reasons why we are talking about the trade deadline so much earlier than in previous seasons... that and people seem to have trouble figuring out when I am making jokes and when I am not. There will be no mentions of "cool goals being worth more" in this blog.
Over the past couple of weeks we have discussed teams that make sense for the Oilers to be in talks with, the players that should be of interest to Edmonton, and whether or not a winger or third line centre is a more key add for the team. Today we will be focusing on which assets it makes sense for the Oilers to move.
Here are some of the main names that have been brought up in the rumour mill, as well as how likely each player is to be moved. Note that these estimates are based on how I believe Ken Holland values these assets. ---
ACTIVE NHL PLAYERS Kris Russell - As of right now, the Oilers have just over 1.2 million dollars in cap space. If the team is going to add any player of note they will need to shed some dollars from their roster. Enter Kris Russell, a third pairing defenceman who makes 4 million dollars a year. There are things to like about Russell's game and things to not like and while I tend to focus more on the latter defensive depth is crucial for a long playoff run.
The biggest plus Russell has going for himself is his PK usage, where he ranks second on the team right behind Oscar Klefbom. Tippett highly values his PK guys and unless the player coming back addresses an even more important role, I don't see Russell being dealt. Odds of Player Moving - Unlikely
Sam Gagner - Another player who falls into the category of "useful player who makes too much." Gagner ranks 6th among all Oilers this season in even strength points per 60 and provides some offense to the bottom 6. His biggest fault is the fact that he makes 3.1 million dollars this season. Depending on who is brought in at the deadline, Gagner's spot could be filled by anyone from James Neal to Tyler Benson. If Edmonton needs to move out money for a deal, Gagner makes the most sense to move. Odds of Player Moving - Likely
Jujhair Khaira/Alex Chiasson - Typically teams that are making a playoff push don't subtract from their NHL rosters but Edmonton has some dead weight contracts that aren't difference makers. Both Khaira and Chiasson have one year remaining on their contracts after this season; Khaira at 1.2 mil and Chiasson at 2.15. I'm sure Holland would gladly trade either player but don't see why other teams would jump at acquiring them. Odds of Player(s) Moving - Somewhat Unlikely
Matt Benning - To say Benning has had a rough season would be an understatement. After dealing with a concussion early in the season, Benning took a puck to the head in his first game back, being sidelined once more. Benning is an RFA at the end of this season and at only 25 years old could certainly be appealing to any team looking to add young depth to their blue. Unless an offer wows Holland, I don't see the team wanting to part ways with Matt yet. Odds of Player Moving - Unlikely
PROSPECTS
Evan Bouchard - Bouchard and Bear are expected to be the future of the right side of the Oilers blueline. I don't see how the Oilers entertain any deal involving him. Odds of Player Moving - Extremely Unlikely
Philip Broberg - Being the first 1st round pick Holland selected for the Edmonton Oilers, Broberg seems like another untouchable but with the player being at least two seasons away from any NHL games and with a young left side in Klefbom, Jones, and Nurse that will all be locked down long term maybe it isn't as unfathomable as expected. Especially if it's a guy like Josh Anderson on the return. Odds of Player Moving - Highly Unlikely William Lagesson - The 23 year old blueliner is NHL ready but stuck behind too many players on the Oilers depth chart. For a team looking for NHL ready young players as opposed to draft picks, Lagesson would be a good option. Odds of Player Moving - Highly Likely Joel Persson - Same story for Persson as Lagesson. At 25 he held his own at the beginning of the season when he played on the right side in the top 4 with Oscar Klefbom. Since being sent down to the AHL, Persson has 13 points (2-11-13) in 19 games. Odds of Player Moving - Highly Likely
Jesse Puljujarvi - Puljujarvi won't be able to play in any games for the remainder of this season but that likely isn't a deterrent for a seller at the deadline. The Finnish former 4th overall pick has 17 goals and 38 points playing for Kà¤rpà¤t this season and has certainly helped to boost his trade value in that regard. Holland will want more than a rental in terms of value for Puljujarvi and if that option exists Holland won't shy away from a deal. Odds of Player Moving - Likely
PICKS 1st Round Pick - If Holland wasn't willing to move a first for a player like Taylor Hall, I can't imagine any of the options that exist at the deadline will encourage him to do so, Odds of Moving - Extremely Unlikely 2nd Round Pick - I can see Holland wanting to move the above mentioned prospects or players before moving this pick, especially because it's almost guaranteed the Oilers will be without their third round pick due to the Neal trade. If Holland can't make a deal work however, I can see him be forced into trading this pick. Odds of Moving - Somewhat Likely
---
Edmonton will do something at the trade deadline but I don't expect them to make a massive splash. I think we will end up seeing a player like Lagesson or Persson moved and perhaps Gagner as well in order to make the dollars work, Throw in a 4th or a 5th round pick from Edmonton too and we will see a third line centre and maybe an additional depth forward added to the mix.
Which players do you think will be gone by the time the trade deadline rolls around?