Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumours: Defensive Upgrades
By Ryan Ritchie
Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumours: Potential Available Options
Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets (possible, but strings attached)
Peter Chiarelli may need to expand his options to address their need by targeting next summer’s free agents. There’s an inherent risk in making this type of deal, but the goal would be to lock down the arriving player long-term with an extension. If Edmonton can make a deal now, there’s time to explore an extension. In which case the player could be flipped to another team at the trade deadline if extension talks fall apart.
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It’s still unclear whether Winnipeg is looking to extend Dustin Byfuglien, but this deal could work for a few reasons. Because of his no-trade clause, Byfuglien is required to submit a five team list at the beginning of each season.
The Oilers chances of being on that list is slim, but Winnipeg could always approach Byfuglien if there’s a deal to be made. If Dustin were willing to accept a trade to Edmonton, there’s a chance he’d be willing to extend long-term.
Dustin Byfuglien is a rare-breed of hockey player, constantly playing with a gritty edge that can sometimes land him in hot water. The only criticism about his game is that his gritty style leads to league-leading performances in minor penalties. He’s a major contributor to Winnipeg’s “undisciplined” label that they’ve acquired over the past couple of years.
But make no mistake, there isn’t a team in the NHL that wouldn’t love to have the services of Dustin Byfuglien.
Going the other way:
Not likely an option with Winnipeg’s depth at centre.
Jordan Eberle
Based on value required to make this deal work, Jordan Eberle would almost certainly be included in any deal. Luckily, the Jets have defensive depth with Josh Morrissey knocking on the door for full-time duties. Meaning, Edmonton would only have to sacrifice a defensive prospect at best, if any defender at all.
Oct 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Islanders defenseman
(3) handles the puck as St. Louis Blues defenseman
(25) defends during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Hamonic, New York Islanders (near impossible trade to make)
There’s been recent speculation that GM Garth Snow could honour Travis Hamonic’s wishes by sending him to Edmonton. This is a difficult deal to make with the given knowledge that Garth Snow is seeking a quality defender in return. Hamonic is the most ideal available piece fitting the Oilers needs, but Edmonton doesn’t have the necessary pieces to make a trade.
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Eyes On Isles
TSN analysts suggested that Edmonton might be able to make a trade if they’re willing to part ways with young Oscar Klefbom. Considering the affordable cap hit, along with his age and what he’s done so far, it’s difficult to imagine Edmonton willing to part with this young man.
As for Travis Hamonic, he’s been a main-stay on the Islanders blue-line for several years now, logging big minutes. He’s shown glimpses of his offensive flash, but it’s what he does in his own-end that makes him so valuable. That, and his extremely well-valued contract with long-term.
Going the other way:
Oscar Klefbom
Chances are Edmonton is unwilling to move this young man, but even if they were, it’s no guarantee Garth Snow would even be interested.
He’s struggled in 2015-16 thus far, but is still an offensive force from the back-end. If Garth Snow is interested in adding a blue-liner with defensive liabilities, there might be a deal to be had. Let’s call this one unlikely as well. This would need to be a multi-player deal, probably including Jordan Eberle, with another Islanders player heading to Edmonton.
Next: More Likely Trade Targets