Insider: Oilers, Lightning Discussed 2019 Draisaitl-Kucherov Trade

Jeff Marek revealed today that in 2019, there were serious discussions between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers regarding a potential trade involving Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl.

According to Marek, he has had this trade conversation confirmed, although he’s unsure how close the deal came to being finalized. “There were conversations between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers, and the two primaries changing were Nikita Kucherov for Leon Draisaitl,” Marek explained.

The rumored trade talks took place after the 2019 season, during which Kucherov won the Hart Trophy for league MVP but struggled in the playoffs. Marek also mentioned that the Oilers may have been interested in adding Anthony Cirelli to the deal, which could have complicated negotiations and potentially led to the breakdown of the trade talks.

Both the Oilers and Lightning Saw Different Paths With Draisaitl and Kucherov

Tampa Bay was reportedly intrigued by the idea of pairing Steven Stamkos and Draisaitl as a dynamic one-two punch down the middle. On the other hand, the Oilers were more interested in bringing Kucherov to Edmonton, imagining him alongside Connor McDavid on the top line.

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While the deal ultimately never materialized, the speculation surrounding this potential trade is fascinating, especially given both players’ roles in their teams’ future success. If the trade had gone through, it could have drastically altered the trajectory of both franchises.

When asked by Greg Wyshynski if he would make the trade now, Marek didn’t give a definitive answer, but leaned towards the Oilers not wanting to make the deal today. Wyshynksi said the Oilers are probably happy having not made the deal, especially if McDavid re-signs this summer, which he believes he will with the Oilers.

Still, the conversation remains a tantalizing “what if”.

Next: A Trade Between the Canucks and Oilers That Makes Sense