As per a report, the Edmonton Oilers might be looking at a trade that would target one of two possible former Oiler forwards that recently played an important role in this year’s postseason.
** Warning:
We’ll be the first to admit that the source of this report is not a reputable media insider (at least we don’t believe.) While the social media account from which the report originates has gotten a number of stories right when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers, the Tracy Lane account is believed to be an avatar/burner account for someone looking to hide their identity.
So, understanding that we can’t necessarily confirm the validity of the report, there is some potential truth behind the speculation as it’s well known the Oilers are looking for a top-six forward to play with Connor McDavid. Because the team doesn’t have a lot of cap room to work with, a trade might be the most likely option.
Who Could This Report Be Talking About?
Not naming anyone makes this story less than reliable but if we’re to speculate as to whom this account is talking about, there are two guesses that come to mind.
The first is Andrew Cogliano. He’s still playing in the postseason with the Dallas Stars and has one year left on his deal at a $3.25 million cap hit. He’s got incredible speed, is extremely durable and can play in a number of situations including the penalty kill. The reason it might not be Cogliano is because he’s not necessarily a top-six winger and his production doesn’t scream as an obvious choice to play alongside someone like McDavid.
Still, Cogliano does solve one of the Oilers issues which is finding a third line center who can play in an elevated role. We haven’t heard any news that Dallas is looking to move him.
The second is David Perron. Granted, the Blues are now out of the playoffs, but at the time this Twitter account post was published, the Blues hadn’t technically been eliminated. Perron is a far more offensively gifted winger and could easily play on Edmonton’s top line. He’s got one more season with St. Louis at $4 million and he was a productive Oilers player when he spent just shy of two seasons with the Oilers between 2013 and 2015.
Many argue that moving Perron was a mistake by Edmonton as they were rebuilding and he’s gone on to find some consistent success with teams like Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Vegas and St. Louis. It doesn’t seem logical that the Blues would look to trade Perron but there are going to be questions about which players will be available as the Blues try to make room to re-sign pending free agent Alex Pietrangelo.
One of the things the Oilers lacked in their short play-in round against the Blackhawks was energy. Perron has that in spades and is often the most consistent forward on any team. He’s also a nasty and gritty forward who doesn’t mind mixing it up. Edmonton could use a little more of that in their game.
Edmonton Needs to Do Something
For the Oilers, the team has a few key needs. Outside of trying to find a suitable backup netminder — that could mean re-signing Mike Smith or going outside the organization — the team needs a third line center and top-six help.
Do either of these players fit in your estimation?
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