Players the Edmonton Oilers Shouldn’t Risk Trading

As February transitions into March, hockey fans eagerly anticipate the approaching NHL trade deadline. With just a week remaining, the first few notable trades have sparked discussions among enthusiasts (such as Chris Tanev heading to Dallas and Ilya Lyubushkin returning to Toronto).

In Edmonton, fans are hoping for another impactful trade akin to last year’s acquisition of Mattias Ekholm. The Oilers’ wishlist circulating on Twitter includes desires for a top-four defenseman, a top-six right winger, a right-shot center, a depth defenseman, and a playoff-ready goaltender. However, the team faces challenges due to limited trade assets and salary cap constraints. Players earning over $5 million have no-move clauses, leaving few options for significant roster changes.

While the Oilers have depth players earning near the NHL minimum salary, trading them would yield minimal cap relief. The most viable trade candidates fall within the $2-4 million salary range, including veterans like Cody Ceci ($3.25 million), Brett Kulak ($2.75 million), and Warren Foegele ($2.75 million). These players, acquired mid-career by the Oilers, offer reliability but aren’t considered elite.

Additionally, three players in the same salary range lack trade protection due to being in the restricted free agent (RFA) portion of their careers. Goaltender Stu Skinner, defenseman Evan Bouchard, and forward Ryan McLeod all signed multi-year extensions last off-season, solidifying their roles on the team. Skinner’s $2.6 million extension, Bouchard’s $3.9 million AAV bridge deal, and McLeod’s $2.1 million contract provide stability while preserving the Oilers’ rights over the coming seasons.

These players represent the Oilers’ investment in drafting and developing talent, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent into key contributors.