Oilers Not Out on Bruins Forward, Despite Adding Hallander

The Edmonton Oilers have added Filip Hallander from the Pittsburgh Penguins, but their search for a right-shooting center may not be over. The Oilers like what Hallander brings, but one trade doesn’t mean more aren’t coming. A couple of league insiders have made that point, as has Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer.

With that in mind, keep an eye on a deal between the Oilers and the Boston Bruins.

---

Bruins forward Matthew Poitras appears to have been on Edmonton’s radar. Elliotte Friedman noted on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the Oilers looked seriously at Poitras before acquiring Hallander in a trade, which suggests the front office explored more than one way to fill the need. The sticking point was price. Boston reportedly wanted a draft pick in return, and Edmonton may not have been willing to pay it. Their primary interest was moving a defenseman, which they had a surplus of. That likely explains Spencer Stastney‘s departure.

Because the Penguins wanted to add depth to their blue line, GM Kyle Dubas worked with the Oilers, and Edmonton landed on Hallander instead.

Related: Oilers Acquire Filip Hallander from Penguins for Spencer Stastney

The Oilers Are Not Out on Poitras

The Oilers remain interested in adding a right-shooting center, and one acquisition doesn’t automatically close the book on that search. Frank Seravalli reports: ”Count the Edmonton Oilers among those who have kept tabs on Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras in their quest to find a right-shooting center to anchor their fourth line. Poitras’ biggest supporter internally is coach Mike Babcock – and that worked out well for Alex Formenton in September.”

Poitras is still in Boston, and the Bruins’ asking price is still a matter of negotiation. If the cost comes down, or if Edmonton feels like they could really use that depth at center, the two sides could revisit talks.

A coach’s backing doesn’t guarantee a deal, but it can keep a player on a team’s radar and if Babcock’s plan continues to pay dividends (the Oilers are leading in the Pacific Division), Bowman might be more motivated to acquire players Babcock likes.

There is no reason to assume anything is imminent. The Oilers are waiting for several of their injured players to return. However, if more injuries pile up or the Oilers have an opportunity to acquire Poitras in a deal that makes sense, expect there to be more than just speculation here.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Kings, Jets, Oilers & Maple Leafs