Edmonton Oilers
Why Jonathan Toews Is Suddenly a Name to Watch for the Oilers
Jonathan Toews is emerging as a potential trade deadline target for the Edmonton Oilers. Here’s why the veteran center could be in play.
Jeff Marek floated an interesting deadline scenario involving the Winnipeg Jets and Jonathan Toews. While Winnipeg has played better of late, the bigger question is what happens if it becomes clear the Jets aren’t going to make the playoffs. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to see teams calling Kevin Cheveldayoff to inquire about Toews.
During a recent episode of Oilers Nation Everyday, Marek was throwing some ideas out to see what might stick and suggested Edmonton. He was connecting the veteran center to the Edmonton Oilers, painting the picture that Toews might be a good fit if he wants a chance to win.
Toews is trending in the right direction and remains elite in the faceoff circle, winning close to 70 percent of his draws. That alone makes him a playoff asset, especially for a contending team looking to strengthen its depth down the middle. The Oilers, meanwhile, are looking for a third-line center who can win draws and potentially put up some offense. Ideally, that player will be an inexpensive addition with playoff experience.
Related: The Awkward Truth About Jonathan Toews and the Jets
If the Jets fall out of the race, Toews could be acquired at a minimal cost, with performance bonuses attached if the acquiring team goes on a deep run. While the Toews’ contract can’t be ignored because of those built-in playoff and performance bonuses — any team that acquires him can’t just pencil him into the lineup without thinking about the cap — he could be an intriguing fit.
Those performance bonuses include: $550K at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 games played; $500K for playoffs + 50 GP; $250K per series win (Rd 1-3) + Toews plays 50% of games; $1M for Stanley Cup + 50% GP. In other words, if the run is long for Edmonton and he plays in half the games, Toews costs more and more money.
Marek acknowledged the potential cap implications and admitted there’s no perfect solution at the trade deadline. He also said that filling one hole often creates another, and any move comes with risk. Still, if a contender truly believes it can win a Stanley Cup by stacking strength down the middle, adding a player like Toews starts to look like a calculated gamble worth considering.
Bowman has a history with Toews, having managed the Chicago Blackhawks while Toews was at his peak. If anyone knows the player, it’s the Oilers’ general manager.
Is Toews Worth the Risk?
One thing to consider for the Oilers is the balance between the need and the risk. As one fan correctly pointed out, “Also, and most importantly, asset-wise it’s always cheaper to add a winger than a center. Edmonton has plenty of center options and depth there [Jack] Roslovic, [Adam] Henrique, [Trent] Frederic can all spot-fill at 3C if there’s an injury. Get a top 6 impact winger. Make Nuge 3C.”
Next: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Wasn’t Sure He’d Always Be an Edmonton Oiler
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