The Edmonton Oilers could turn their defensive surplus into help down the middle. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Edmonton has explored a “lateral trade — maybe a defenceman for a forward” as injuries test its forward depth. With the absences not expected to be long term, the priority appears to be a measured roster adjustment.
The Fourth Period identified Ty Emberson, Spencer Stastney and Shakir Mukhamadullin as possible outgoing pieces. Three right-shot centres worth considering are Mark Kastelic, Oskar Sundqvist and Kevin Stenlund. None has been publicly linked to this search; the following matches are proposed fits.
Mark Kastelic: Emberson Could Start the Conversation
Kastelic would give Edmonton a physical fourth-line centre who can kill penalties and contribute modest offence. He recorded 12 goals and 22 points last season, winning 60.8% of his faceoffs. His approximately $1.567 million cap hit also makes him easier to accommodate than more expensive alternatives.
Emberson would be the strongest starting point if Boston wanted an NHL-ready right-shot defenceman. His appeal would be immediate: a player capable of competing for third-pair minutes rather than requiring a longer development runway.
However, Boston has Kastelic signed through 2027–28, giving the Bruins little incentive to move him without improving elsewhere. Edmonton would also need to decide whether upgrading fourth-line centre justifies sacrificing Emberson’s defensive utility. A straight swap is a discussion framework, not an established asking price.
Oskar Sundqvist: Stastney Offers a More Modest Exchange
Sundqvist could be the most logical target for a lateral swap involving Stastney. The Blues re-signed him in July to a one-year contract carrying an $850,000 NHL salary after he recorded 17 points in 52 games last season. However, he is starting the year in the AHL, while Stastney has yet to dress for Edmonton, creating an opportunity to exchange two players currently outside their NHL lineups.
The Blues’ injuries on defence could make Stastney’s mobility and NHL experience particularly appealing. He could provide immediate coverage and compete for regular minutes, while Edmonton would gain a right-shot forward capable of playing centre or wing without sacrificing Emberson or Mukhamadullin.
For the Oilers, Sundqvist could help cover their forward injuries before settling into a checking role once everyone returns. Both teams would be trading from an area of depth to address a current need, making this a natural fit for the lateral move Edmonton is exploring.
Kevin Stenlund: Mukhamadullin Could Offer Utah More Upside
Stenlund offers a clear defensive fit. He won a team-leading 54.2% of his faceoffs last season, providing the kind of right-shot option Edmonton could use for defensive-zone assignments. The obstacle is Utah’s recent commitment: Stenlund re-signed July 1 for one year at $2.75 million. Mukhamadullin could be the most interesting return for Utah because his size, mobility and development potential offer value beyond immediate depth. But Edmonton should be cautious about exchanging that upside for an expiring checking centre.
Moving Mukhamadullin’s $1.75 million cap hit would help Edmonton accommodate Stenlund’s $2.75 million salary without requiring Utah to retain money. The bigger question is whether the Oilers should surrender Mukhamadullin’s development upside for a centre on an expiring contract. Stenlund remains worth investigating, while Sundqvist offers a lower-cost option and Kastelic provides a stronger balance of affordability and lasting roster value.”
Next: Oilers Trade Package for Lucas Raymond — Would You Accept?
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