If the Edmonton Oilers are Stanley Cup contenders this season — which many insiders have pegged the Oilers to be — it’s likely they’ll be adding at the NHL Trade Deadline. Salary cap issues will obviously play their role but GM Ken Holland will head into the deadline as a buyer and the typical names that get mentioned in the rumor mill will be connected to the Oilers. But, are there unexpected names the team might want to look at?
Here are three players the Oilers are potentially being linked to (or make sense) as the season rolls along. These are names that don’t appear to be a fit at first glance, but could makes sense under the right circumstances.
Jonathan Toews Is Depth the Oilers Could Use
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman linked the Oilers to the Chicago Blackhawks in a pre-deadline trade. But, it wasn’t Patrick Kane he was talking about as most fans have done up to this point. Friedman wondered if Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews might be a fit in Edmonton.
Friedman explained:
“I assume Toews is going to be traded, I assume Kane is going to be traded. We both said the New York Rangers are the most likely team for Kane. Toews, I’ve mentioned Colorado. I know I’m trading everyone to Edmonton in this pod but I wonder if Toews would make sense there?”
What makes this so interesting is that a lot of insiders think that the 34-year-old has what might be an untradable contract. He’s making $10.5 million in the final year of his deal and even with 50% salary retained, that’s a lot to give up for a player who has been far less productive than his teammate. Kane has a real market if he becomes available, while Toews doesn’t. That could work in the Oilers’ favor.
If the ask isn’t high and the Blackhawks are willing to take money back, getting a third team involved here opens up some options for Edmonton. And, if they’re looking for depth down the middle with leadership and playoff experience, Toews is a fit. If he’s having a semi-productive season, he’s an even more attractive option, but the price to acquire him will only marginally go up.
John Klingberg More of the Same?
Klingberg was also linked to the Oilers by Friedman but it’s not entirely clear why. The Oilers have Evan Bouchard and Tyson Barrie on their right side, with Cody Ceci taking top-pairing minutes. What they don’t necessarily need is another right-shot…
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