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Which Forwards are Oilers Targeting on Teams Not Ready to Sell?
What top-nine forwards could the Edmonton Oilers target ahead of the trade deadline?
Reports on Thursday revealed the Edmonton Oilers’ plans for the next five weeks leading up to the March 6 trade deadline: add a top-nine forward (center or winger) to bolster the group up front.
Several names have been fixtures in the rumor mill that could fit the mold, but according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, GM Stan Bowman wants to wait out the market and has his eyes on a few teams that haven’t fully decided whether they’re going to sell.
With that information, which teams and players might he be referring to that the Oilers could target? Let’s dive into it.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Potential targets: Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment
Speculation linking a trade between Edmonton and Columbus is nothing new, and it likely won’t stop until the deadline passes. The Blue Jackets aren’t completely out of it with 53 points, but they remain seven back of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, with six other teams between them and that position, so while they may be hoping for a late push, reality could eventually set in, turning them into sellers.
If and when that happens, three pending UFAs could all make sense for the Oilers: Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment.
Jenner and Coyle would provide flexibility to play either center or wing, are defensively responsible, have plenty of playoff experience, and can contribute offensively. Coyle’s $5.25 million salary would be harder to fit in than Jenner’s $3.75 million, which lines up almost perfectly with Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million, should the Oilers find a way to shed it.
Then there’s Marchment ($4.5 million), whom the Oilers and their fans know well from recent battles with the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals. Columbus just acquired him a month ago, but he could be flipped again ahead of the deadline as a rental. He’s another versatile option who could slot anywhere in the top nine, with skill, size, and grit that would be valuable come the playoffs.
Seattle Kraken
Potential targets: Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen
Another interesting team that hasn’t been discussed much is the Kraken. Seattle currently holds the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, though the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Nashville Predators are all hot on their heels. Even if they make the playoffs, a matchup with the Colorado Avalanche wouldn’t go too well, barring a massive upset.
Because of that, teams like Edmonton should keep an eye on their pending UFAs, particularly Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz, and Eeli Tolvanen. A reunion with Eberle ($4.75 million), who remains effective at 35 years old — 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) in 47 games — is intriguing, though perhaps the least likely given he is the captain and probably wants to stick around.
Schwartz ($5.5 million) and Tolvanen ($3.475 million), on the other hand, could more realistically be in play. Both have been productive this season and would be impactful additions to the Oilers’ lineup. Schwartz brings some offensive juice and Stanley Cup pedigree, while Tolvanen would bring youth and one of the more underrated shots in the league.
A Schwartz deal would require salary retention from Seattle, while Tolvanen is another contract that would line up with Mangiapane.
Others to Keep an Eye On
The Blue Jackets and Kraken stand out with several potential targets for the Oilers. That said, other names could also come into play.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still in the playoff picture, but if injuries or other circumstances force a soft sell, Bowman should look into Bobby McMann ($1.35 million), Nicolas Roy ($3 million), and Nick Robertson ($1.825 million).
Chicago and Nashville are also clinging onto hopes of sneaking into the postseason, though even if they remain in contention closer to the deadline, they’ll probably still move some pending UFAs. Ilya Mikheyev ($4.75 million) and Michael Bunting ($4.5 million) would be two other options, likely coming at a lower cost than most of the other names mentioned.
Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Jets
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