Could the Oilers Make an Offseason Move with Inactive Teams?
Could the Edmonton Oilers make an offseason move with a shockingly inactive team that hasn’t done much in NHL free agency?
In the NHL offseason, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves slightly over the salary cap and considering defensive upgrades. With free agency activity settling, attention turns to teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers, all of whom have been notably quiet. I speculated in an article for The Hockey News that there might be a potential fit between the Oilers and one of these teams to make a mutually beneficial move.
What Do These Inactive Teams Have that the Oilers Might Want?
Is there something these teams have that could attract the interest of Oilers’ acting general manager Jeff Jackson? After the unexpected trade with the Buffalo Sabres, perhaps Jackson has another move in mind involving these quiet teams.
Possible Trade Targets: Brayden McNabb, Josh Manson, and Dmitry Kulikov
The Winnipeg Jets: The Jets have been focusing on smaller signings while dealing with decisions on prospects like Rutger McGroarty and key players such as Nikolaj Ehlers. Their competitive stance amid potential trades raises speculation about their willingness to make significant moves, possibly aligning with the Oilers’ interests. However, any defensive upgrades from Winnipeg would likely be too expensive for Edmonton, and Edmonton’s forward lines are already deep.
The Colorado Avalanche:The Avalanche are managing tight cap space while balancing their contending ambitions with long-term injuries and player absences. Issues like Gabriel Landeskog’s injury and Valeri Nichushkin’s future have put the team in a holding pattern. With a surplus of defensemen, including Samuel Girard and Josh Manson, the Oilers might find defensive depth here. A deal where Edmonton trades multiple pieces to Colorado could potentially work, balancing the cap space and filling roster spots for the Avs.
The Vegas Golden Knights:Typically active but surprisingly quiet this offseason, the Golden Knights face challenges after significant roster losses. Despite limited cap flexibility, their history of unexpected moves could make them a potential trade partner for Edmonton. Defensemen like Brayden McNabb ($2.85 million) or Zach Whitecloud ($2.75 million) could be attractive, less expensive alternatives to Cody Ceci, allowing the Oilers to clear some cap space.
The Florida Panthers: Fresh off a Stanley Cup win but dealing with departures and cap constraints, the Panthers present another potential trade opportunity. While rumors surround Aaron Ekblad, his contract is too expensive for the Oilers. Dmitry Kulikov, previously with the Oilers, has a more manageable contract at $1.15 million, but his age and four-year term are concerns.
No Obvious Fits Between Oilers and These Teams
For the Oilers, exploring opportunities with teams looking to be active this offseason could provide options for roster adjustments, even if only minor improvements. While no glaring trade scenarios stand out, unexpected moves like the Sabres’ trade for Matt Savoie suggest it’s worth Jeff Jackson making inquiries to see if any of these teams are open to deals.
