Insider reveals the only assets the Edmonton Oilers aren't willing to trade
The Edmonton Oilers' season has not gone as anyone had expected. From Stanley Cup contenders before the season began to nearly at the bottom of the Pacific Division standings.
While it's certainly easy to place the blame on goaltending and their poor defensive performances, overall the team has been very underwhelming.
There's no quick fix to Edmonton's situation and while General Manager Ken Holland is working the phone lines, something he probably should've done this summer, it won't be easy to make a deal.
The Oilers have been linked to plenty of goaltenders around the league, including Montreal's trio of Samuel Montembeault, Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau. But again, making a deal is easier said than done.
In terms of what assets the Oilers could move to make a deal, according to Ryan Rishaug, likely only three are unavailable - Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and this year's first-round pick. Everything else could potentially be on the table.
"All eyes are on Ken Holland right now and rightfully so. My sense is, outside their first round pick, all assets and options (29,97 aside) are in play to try and find a fix. Prospects, 2nd rounders, roster players, all of it on the table"
It'll be interesting to keep an eye on the Oilers to see what moves, if any, they make in the coming weeks. If they have any hopes of turning things around, they'll need to do so quickly and have McDavid and Draisaitl at the top of their game, along with their depth plays contributing and everyone playing better on the defensive side of the puck.
POLL |
Should the Oilers have their first-round pick available for trade? |
Yes, they need to be in win-now mode | 52 | 29.1 % |
Depends on what they're getting in return | 60 | 33.5 % |
No, keep it. No chance of making playoffs | 41 | 22.9 % |
See Results | 26 | 14.5 % |
List of polls |
|
42 minutes ago | By TJ Tucker A Significant Change to NHL's CBA Could Bring Big Benefits for Teams Around the League |
|
2 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Analyst Is Convinced the Montreal Canadiens Are Trading Defenseman Arber Xhekaj |
|
12 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Jacob Trouba Destroys Justin Barron with a Controversial, Suspendable Elbow to the Head |
|
13 hours ago | By Tom Banks Utah HC Owner Puts Gary Bettman In Unprecedented Position During Home Opener |
|
16 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Penguins Tristan Jarry Could Soon be Placed on Waivers After Team Makes Shocking Decision |
|
17 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Jason Kelce Drops Wild Story of NHL Captain Crashing their NFL Locker Room to Arm Wrestle Players |
|
18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog Responds to Fan Who Told Him to Retire in Hilarious Fashion |
|
18 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Analysts Debate the Controversy Surrounding Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Punishable Hit |
Previously on Bladeofsteel