NHL trade rumors: Top 5 teams who should trade for Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Edmonton Oilers

Why he makes sense for them: The Edmonton Oilers need to add at least one top-six forward. Other than maybe Chris Kreider, Pageau’s probably the best forward available. And given that the latter is a center, an argument could easily be made that the latter is more valuable and better.

While the Oilers already have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor McDavid as options down the middle, they almost always have just two of them driving their own line. Pageau would give them the best center depth in the NHL, bar none. He would also let the Oilers potentially give McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, and Draisaitl easier minutes, which would make them even more lethal.

Why he doesn’t: Much like the Blue Jackets, the Oilers don’t seem keen on giving up a first-round pick for a rental. Given their cap space and Pageau’s outstanding contract season, it’s not likely they’ll be able to afford him long-term unless they can move someone like Darnell Nurse or Nugent-Hopkins.

Verdict: If the Oilers can get creative and find a way to get Pageau without surrendering a first-round pick, I think they should do it. Perhaps they should try offering a second-round pick along with the rights to Jesse Puljujarvi? That might not be enough to get Pageau, but maybe if the Oilers add someone else like Tyler Benson, that could entice the Senators.