Oilers Eye Moving Bigger Money Over Stecher Trade

The Edmonton Oilers may be exploring the idea of a Troy Stecher trade, but they aren’t keen on the idea of moving the veteran defenseman unless they absolutely have to. Elliotte Friedman noted that with the team carrying extra defensemen, Stecher has emerged as the most likely candidate to be dealt. Friedman noted, “He’s not playing very much, and he’d like to get going… they were trying to get him somewhere.”

At the same time, the Oilers are well aware of how useful it is to have a guy like Stecher on speed dial. There will come a time when they’ll need his services and could be kicking themselves for trading him away if and when that time comes.

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As a result, the Oilers are reportedly also looking at other options in trade discussions, potentially seeing if they can move out a player that makes more money.

Trading Stecher Versus a Higher Cap Hit Oilers Player

Stecher, in his third season with Edmonton, brings experience and depth to a blue line that has seen a logjam between him, Alec Regula, and Ty Emberson. Regula’s recent activation from injured reserve makes it likely that a move is coming. If the Oilers place Stecher on waivers, he could get claimed.

That said, there is also a case for keeping Stecher around. His modest cap hit — just above the league’s veteran minimum — provides value and while moving him clears a roster spot, it doesn’t necessarily help the Oilers all that much when it comes to the salary cap.

David Pagnotta recently suggested that the Oilers would prefer to move out bigger money because it makes life easier down the road. Players like Mattias Janmark, returning from injury, could become trade candidates if the Oilers want to clear space for more impactful acquisitions. His cap hit is nearly twice that of Stecher’s.

Frank Seravalli suggested recently that the Oilers might look at moving Ty Emberson over Stecher. We don’t believe there’s an appetite to do so, but the same logic applies with Emberson as it does with Janmark.

Stecher’s combination of low cap hit and playoff-ready experience makes him a useful depth option. While he could be moved for opportunity’s sake, Edmonton may ultimately hold onto him, especially if the opporunity to make a bigger trade arises.

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