The Edmonton Oilers might not possess substantial funds for significant acquisitions leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, but that doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of fans and insiders who are busy speculating about potential connections with prominent players on the market. There’s chatter linking the Oilers to potential top-six additions, with names such as Jake Guentzel, Anthony Duclair, and Adam Henrique being thrown around. Interestingly, even the idea of reuniting with former Oiler Jordan Eberle is being discussed.
However, Kurt Leavins, a notable Oilers journalist, injects a note of skepticism into the Eberle discussion, questioning the financial viability of such a trade. He doesn’t seem convinced that the Oilers would exhaust their entire deadline budget on acquiring the winger.
Leavins casts doubt on the practicality of creating cap space for Eberle, given his substantial $5.5 million salary. Moreover, he questions whether Eberle’s scoring output aligns with the current requirements of the Oilers. While Eberle is undoubtedly a solid NHL player with a proven track record, Leavins wonders if he represents a significant upgrade and if his playing style duplicates what the team already possesses.
So, what should the Oilers prioritize at the deadline if not pursuing Eberle? Leavins suggests that their main focus should be on securing a third or fourth-line two-way center with size, strong faceoff skills, and penalty-killing expertise. He mentions players like Colton Sissons and Nic Dowd as potential targets.
Leavins speaks highly of Dowd, highlighting his considerable contributions in Washington. Dowd’s right-handed shot, defensive prowess, penalty-killing abilities, and an impressive 52.3% success rate in faceoffs over the past six seasons make him an appealing option. Additionally, with a reasonable salary of $1.3 million, Dowd fits comfortably within the Oilers’ salary cap constraints.
As the Oilers emerge from the All-Star break as the hottest team in the league, winning 16 consecutive games, they seem determined to maintain their momentum and utilize their internal resources before addressing specific needs. Nonetheless, General Manager Ken Holland continues to monitor the market, hoping that current high prices will eventually subside.
Whether the Oilers ultimately make a significant trade remains uncertain. Insiders like Leavins and Chris Johnston from TSN have mentioned names such as Jake Guentzel and Eberle as potential targets. However, uncertainties surrounding Guentzel’s availability and the unpredictability of Seattle’s wildcard race further complicate the trade landscape.
This might be the type of trade scenario that unfolds right up to the deadline.
