It looks like the Edmonton Oilers have one more big trade in them this summer, trading away a bottom-pairing d-man for a third or fourth line forward.
This isn’t the massive move some Oilers fans are hoping to see, but based on rumblings around the team it’s what we can expect.
And I see it as a major move.
Any time you’re moving out and bringing in players destined to be in the line-up in Edmonton, that’s critical, as a fourth line winger or third-pairing d-man can lose you a game almost every bit as much as a top line forward or d-man can win you one.
The major rumbling around this transaction comes from Edmonton insider Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, who has been putting out this narrative on his radio show.
Said Stauffer on Tuesday: “I could foresee a scenario where Edmonton moves a defenceman in the $1.5 million range — possibly for a bottom six forward — to another team and then has accruing cap space and looks at addressing a Top 6 (forward) need during the course of the season.”
Edmonton isn’t looking to spend a lot just now, Stauffer said. “I think Edmonton is only looking for like a million or a $2 million player.”
He also talked about the competition for the third-pairing right side position between newcomer Shakir Mukhamadullin and returning Ty Emberson. “I believe we’re gonna see a battle between Mukhamadullin and Ty Emberson for the third-pairing right shot. I know Mukumadulin’s a lefty. He played, I’m told, a lot in the right side last year.”
My take
1. I don’t see any obvious massive moves for the Oilers now that Claude Giroux has signed back in Ottawa. Edmonton’s line-up is significantly improved in net and on the blueline. There may be additions needed at forward, but the time isn’t yet right for Bowman to pounce. The time will likely be right in the early winter of 2027 when other teams fall out of the playoff race and are keen to sell. By then, Edmonton will also know exactly what it’s great need is going to be for the coming playoffs.
2. If I was betting, I’d say the Oilers trade Spencer Stastney for a fourth-liner. Stastney struggled last year and is a left shot, where Edmonton has the most depth. Emberson played well last year. He’s also a tough and gritty player, a quality the Oilers can use.
Roster July 7
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