Oilers Linked to Eastern Conference Trade for Young Center, Says Insider

The Oilers are reportedly in the mix for a young forward from an Eastern Conference club, according to NHL insider Darren Dreger.

Speaking on The Nielson Show, Dreger declined to name the player but offered a detailed description. He said it’s a young center with plenty of upside and room to grow, but still “trying to prove his NHL value.” Dreger added that Edmonton has been discussing the move for several weeks and was considered a front-runner in talks with the other team.

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The identity of the player remains a mystery, though the profile points to only a handful of players.

“A young forward, a young center potentially, with plenty of upside, plenty of room to grow, and plenty to prove at the NHL level. I know it’s a conversation the Oilers have had for a number of weeks with a team in the Eastern Conference. […] We’re talking about a guy who’s still trying to prove his NHL value at this point. […] I just know that Edmonton was considered to be a front-runner in trade conversation with this team about this Eastern Conference player.”.

Many thought this was Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens. He’s been linked to the Oilers for some time. However, Dreger’s description of a player trying to prove himself at the NHL level doesn’t exactly fit Dach’s description. Dach is trying to prove himself, but not as an NHL player. He’s trying to prove he can stay healthy. Those are two different things.

So Who Are the Oilers Looking At?

The name starting to surface that fits that description is Matt Poitras of the Boston Bruins. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 27 after getting hurt Sept. 22 and made his season debut Monday with the Bruins. His debut came with mixed reviews, but the Oilers reportedly think there’s a player there.

Drafted in the second round in 2022, he’s got 27 points in 70 NHL games. Poitras appeared in three NHL games with Boston last season and scored one goal.

Dreger did not connect his report to Poitras, and no trade has been confirmed.

The Oilers are not said to be in a rush to make a move. They’ll be getting some of their missing players back in short order, with Jason Dickinson among the first. He’s expected to join the lineup at some point on this California road trip. If the Bruins aren’t willing to move Poitras for cheap or not take a defenseman like Spencer Stastney back in the trade, the Oilers might not make the move.

Next: Have the Oilers Finally Found Their Goaltender?