Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumours: Defensive Upgrades

Nov 30, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

(93) shoots against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Oilers 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumours: TSN Analysts Suggest Moving a Core Piece

For a long time, Edmonton Oilers trade rumours have been bantered about by experts in an attempt to fix this failing franchise. One of the oldest names attached to rumours is Jordan Eberle, and it sounds as though his name, along with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are the latest rumoured to be on the trade block.

Nov 20, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a second period goal by defensemen

Oscar Klefbom

(77) against the New Jersey Devils at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

During “Leafs Lunch” on TSN Monday Afternoon, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan discussed the Oilers. Specifically, the pair shared the argument that Edmonton’s core players simply aren’t working, and haven’t generated the right chemistry together. They also made note that Edmonton has some very promising pieces in place (i.e. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse). O’Neill and McLennan both agreed that Edmonton would still struggle to stay competitive, even if fully healthy.

In an interview on “Leafs Lunch” with Ryan Rishaug, he made a suggestion that Peter Chiarelli might be willing to part ways with one of Jordan Eberle or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Rishaug, O’Neill, and McLennan all agreed that both players have underperformed in 2015-16, and they may be the only two guys that could fetch that defender that eats up big minutes. Rishaug did express concern in waiting to trade Nugent-Hopkins until Oilers management has a larger 40-game window on Leon Draisaitl to make sure he’s a second line centre lock. Nail Yakupov‘s name was also brought up, but Jeff O’Neill proposed the question, “Do you see Yakupov battling in the corners during four grueling rounds of playoffs?”.  All agreed that Yakupov doesn’t carry enough trade value to obtain that big-time defender.

Nov 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) reacts as the Detroit Red Wings celebrate in overtime at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday night, Edmonton went head-to-head with the Toronto Maple Leafs, making history in all the wrong ways. Leafs goaltender Garrett Sparks was the first goalie in Toronto’s long history to record a shutout in his NHL debut. Following the game, Oilers coach Todd McLellan made a point of centering out his best players, criticizing their performance. On TSN‘s “That’s Hockey 2Nite” following the game, Craig Button made the suggestion that it’s time for Peter Chiarelli to re-evaluate who his core players are.

The most pressing need in Northern Alberta is another addition to the back-end, likely a big body that can log a ton of minutes. Edmonton could roll the dice, hope for a top three lottery pick for a chance at drafting Jakob Chychrun, but Chiarelli might be wise give this core a slight shake-up. There’s not a lot of options to fill the Oilers gaping hole on the blue-line, but let’s take a look at some possibilities.

Next: Most Unlikely Trade Options

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

Travis Hamonic

(3) handles the puck as St. Louis Blues defenseman

Chris Butler

(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. 

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.

Justin Schultz

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