The Edmonton Oilers could be looking to add more size and toughness to their forward group, with head coach Mike Babcock reportedly pushing for a more physically imposing lineup. A recent Sportsnet report by Frank Seravalli suggested Babcock has advocated internally for additional size, with New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe emerging as a potential target.
General manager Stan Bowman has already made a move to improve Edmonton’s forward depth, sending Spencer Stastney to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Filip Hållander on Oct. 7. However, the Oilers could still benefit from another physical presence, particularly someone capable of contributing beyond fighting.
Here are five potential trade targets, what each could cost, and which makes the most sense for Edmonton.
Mark Kastelic – Boston Bruins
Mark Kastelic might be Edmonton’s most logical target. The 6-foot-4 centre brings physicality, faceoff ability and penalty-killing experience, making him an attractive bottom-six addition.
His $1.57 million annual cap hit through 2027-28 also makes him relatively affordable compared to other options.
For Boston, moving Kastelic would require a worthwhile return, particularly given his physical presence and team-friendly contract. A mid-round selection could provide the Bruins with additional draft capital.
Potential cost: A 2028 third-round pick.
Dmitri Voronkov – Columbus Blue Jackets
Dmitri Voronkov offers something Edmonton desperately needs: size combined with legitimate offensive production.
The 6-foot-5 forward recorded 23 goals and 47 points during the 2024-25 season, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively while providing a physical presence.
His $4.175 million cap hit complicates a potential acquisition, but his ability to play in the top nine makes him particularly attractive. Columbus would need a significant return to justify moving a productive young forward.
Potential cost: A first-round pick and an NHL-ready asset, with Edmonton needing to move salary to facilitate the trade.
Mathieu Olivier – Columbus Blue Jackets
Mathieu Olivier would provide the intimidating presence Babcock reportedly wants.
The physical winger combines aggressive forechecking with an ability to contribute offensively. Unlike a traditional enforcer, Olivier can handle regular fourth-line responsibilities while making opponents uncomfortable.
However, his $3 million annual cap hit and long-term contract make him a more expensive acquisition. Columbus also has little incentive to move him without receiving meaningful value.
Potential cost: A third-round pick and a prospect, potentially more depending on demand.
Kevin Stenlund – Utah Mammoth
Kevin Stenlund would provide Edmonton with a dependable defensive centre capable of handling difficult matchups.
The 6-foot-3 forward won 54.2% of his faceoffs last season and led Utah forwards in shorthanded ice time. His penalty-killing ability and Stanley Cup experience would make him valuable in Edmonton’s bottom six.
Utah re-signed Stenlund to a one-year, $2.75 million contract in July, making his availability uncertain. With the Mammoth looking to remain competitive, a trade would likely require an asset capable of helping their roster.
Potential cost: A second-round pick or a comparable NHL-ready asset, assuming Utah becomes willing to move him.
Beck Malenstyn – Buffalo Sabres
Beck Malenstyn brings relentless energy, speed and physicality.
The 6-foot-3 winger recorded 282 hits during the 2025-26 season, establishing a Sabres franchise record. His ability to pressure opposing defenders and contribute on the penalty kill could give Edmonton another dependable checking option.
However, Buffalo signed Malenstyn to a six-year extension worth approximately $2.92 million annually, suggesting the organization views him as a long-term contributor.
Potential cost: A third-round pick and an additional asset. Buffalo would likely need a compelling reason to move him.
Kastelic Represents Edmonton’s Most Logical Target
While Voronkov offers the greatest offensive upside, Kastelic provides the best combination of affordability, physicality and positional need.
Edmonton already completed a lateral trade by acquiring Hållander from Pittsburgh in exchange for Stastney. That move improved the club’s forward depth, but it doesn’t necessarily address Babcock’s reported desire for a more physically imposing lineup.
Kastelic would bring a different dimension to Edmonton’s bottom six without requiring the significant investment associated with Voronkov or Olivier. His manageable contract also makes him an attractive option for a team navigating salary-cap limitations.
For Bowman, the priority should be acquiring a player who makes Edmonton harder to play against while remaining effective when the roster returns to full health. Kastelic checks those boxes without requiring the Oilers to sacrifice one of their top prospects.
Next: 3 Forwards the Oilers Could Get For a Depth Defenseman in Trade
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