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Could Oilers and Devils Make Big Blue Line Trade Ahead of Deadline?

Writers for The Athletic and an NHL scout discussed the idea of a big trade between the Oilers and Devils involving two big name defensemen.

The Edmonton Oilers are in a situation where they might need to find inventive ways to improve their salary cap situation both this year and next. With limited resources available to add a player ahead of this season’s NHL Trade Deadline and an unwillingness by GM Ken Holland to trade the team’s first-round pick or a high-end prospect, the options are running out.

Related: 8 Players No Longer Being Shopped Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

That’s why a trade suggestion made in a recent article in The Athletic is so interesting. A number of contributors there took a look at 25 possible trade options and examined how realistic each was. Writers and an unnamed NHL scout broke down a few trades, among them a deal that would see the Oilers move defenseman Tyson Barrie.

There were plenty of trade suggestions made. Some sent Barrie to Washington, others to the Ducks. In one trade scenario, Seattle got involved, but the biggest blockbuster of the group was potentially a deal that would see Barrie go to New Jersey and P.K. Subban come back to the Oilers.

The suggested trade was P.K. Subban (at 50 percent retained) for Tyson Barrie and Kyle Turris. Essentially, the Oilers would be getting Subban at $4.5 million, while sending out $6.15 million. Edmonton would get a right-shot blueliner who could play in the top-four, move out Barrie who is locked in longer-term but providing a similar style of play to Evan Bouchard, and save $1.65 million in space to make another move.

PK Subban Tyson Barrie trade talk
PK Subban Tyson Barrie trade talk

The reactions to the trade proposal were mixed. Some liked the plan in a financial sense because it gave the Oilers more room to make moves this season and moving forward. The Devils’ writer didn’t hate the deal (even if it wasn’t exactly what New Jersey might be looking for) and an NHL scout said he didn’t think the Devils would bit because they’re trying to move contracts, not add term.

Could Subban Flourish in Edmonton?

It would be interesting to see what Subban in an Oilers’ uniform could do and this might be the best time to buy on a player who still has a lot to prove. Allan Mitchell writes:

I’ve always liked Subban and believe he’s been unfairly framed as a player in recent years. His underlying numbers are solid at five-on-five and he has value. The contract makes him less attractive but cutting it in half means it’s far more palatable. Would New Jersey make this trade?

With Subban’s deal expiring, what his next contract will look like is anyone’s guess. He’s not going to make anything close to $9 million but if he plays well in Edmonton, could he and the Oilers work out a short-term agreement where he makes a $2.5 -$3 million on a show-me deal and give him a chance to prove he’s still got something left in the tank? This is a former Norris Trophy winner who hasn’t been anything close to a Norris-caliber player in years. But, could he still offer something to the Oilers? Perhaps.

Next: Georgiev Value Down For Rangers Who Need New Backup Before Trade

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6 Comments

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