Would You Trade Walman and Top Prospects for Konecny?

The Edmonton Oilers could add a proven scoring winger by targeting Travis Konecny, but the price would force them to weigh an offensive upgrade against their defensive depth and future. Would moving Jake Walman, two young forwards and two draft picks make Edmonton a better contender?

Here is the hypothetical proposal, rather than a reported negotiation:

Oilers receive: Travis Konecny ($8.75 million cap hit)

Flyers receive: Jake Walman, Isaac Howard, Josh Samanski, Edmonton’s 2028 first-round pick and the 2028 third-round pick originally belonging to St. Louis.

Konecny Gives Edmonton Another Established Weapon

Konecny would give Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl a winger who can finish chances, attack off the rush and bring an abrasive edge. His appeal extends beyond adding another name to the power play. Edmonton could deploy him on either superstar’s wing and spread its offensive threats across two lines.

The Oilers would be exchanging potential for a player they could immediately trust in a demanding offensive role. That matters when the objective is winning during McDavid and Draisaitl’s prime rather than waiting for younger forwards to develop. However, Walman’s departure would create another problem. Edmonton would need someone to absorb his minutes and help move the puck through pressure. Improving the forwards only works if the defence can still get them the puck.

Using the proposed salaries, Edmonton sends out $8.9475 million and receives $8.75 million. That apparent $197,500 saving applies only if all three outgoing players carry NHL cap charges. Otherwise, the increase could reach $1.75 million before replacements.

Philadelphia Gets Futures, but Takes on a Commitment

Howard offers scoring upside, while Samanski gives Philadelphia another option to develop into a regular forward. The first-round pick supplies a valuable future asset, and Walman would provide an established puck-moving defenceman. The difficulty is whether Philadelphia wants Walman’s seven-year, $7 million commitment. Taking that contract would limit the financial flexibility gained by moving Konecny. Howard and the first would need to justify sacrificing a major offensive contributor.

There is also an organisational attachment to consider. When Konecny signed his extension, Daniel Brière called him “a significant leader on our team.” Philadelphia would need a compelling reason to change direction.

Past Trades Put the Price in Perspective

In 2022, Los Angeles acquired Kevin Fiala for Brock Faber and the 19th overall pick. That illustrates the prospect-and-first framework for buying established offence. Detroit acquired Alex DeBrincat in 2023 for Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first and a fourth. The proposed Konecny package similarly combines players and futures.

Those trades provide useful comparisons, but the circumstances were different. Minnesota moved Fiala because they couldn’t afford to keep him, while DeBrincat wasn’t willing to sign long term in Ottawa. Philadelphia has Konecny under contract, so they have less pressure to accept a package built around prospects and picks.

I would consider this for Edmonton only with a credible Walman replacement. Konecny makes the attack more dangerous, but this price must improve the whole team. Would you pay it?

Next: Could Oilers Pounce on Flyers Top Trade Targets as Philly’s Season Spirals?