The Edmonton Oilers could strengthen their Stanley Cup push by giving the Nashville Predators something their own future needs: two prospects and additional draft capital.
A hypothetical deadline deal would send Ryan O’Reilly to Edmonton without salary retention, with Nashville receiving a package built around Quinn Hutson and Beau Akey. It would be a substantial investment for the Oilers, but one that could reshape their forward deployment.
Oilers receive: Ryan O’Reilly
Predators receive: Mattias Janmark, Quinn Hutson, Beau Akey, a 2027 second-round pick and St. Louis’ 2028 third-round pick.
O’Reilly Would Give Edmonton More Freedom Up Front
The strongest argument for Edmonton is what O’Reilly’s arrival would allow elsewhere in the lineup.
He could centre a second line, allowing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to remain together without leaving Edmonton overly dependent on its top unit. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could transition to the wing, where his anticipation, puck distribution and defensive awareness make him a natural complement to a strong centre.
Waiting until the deadline would make the financial side more manageable. Under cap accrual rules, Edmonton could bank unused space toward absorbing O’Reilly’s remaining salary obligations. Janmark’s departure would also offset $1.45 million of O’Reilly’s $4.5 million annual cap hit. However, that fit depends on Edmonton actually accumulating sufficient room; teams operating in LTIR do not bank unused relief.
Nashville Would Add Young Talent to Begin Its Rebuild
If Nashville falls out of contention, moving O’Reilly would give the Predators an opportunity to turn an expiring contract into pieces for their next competitive window. This package would address several needs, adding a forward close to contributing, a defence prospect and two draft picks.
Hutson would give Nashville a young scoring option who could compete for NHL minutes immediately. His professional development has already included NHL appearances and his first NHL goal. The Predators could offer him a sustained opportunity to establish himself, assessing whether he can become an affordable, long-term contributor while opening more lineup space for younger players.
Akey would strengthen Nashville’s prospect depth on defence, while the second- and third-round selections could be used to draft additional talent or help facilitate future trades. Taking back Janmark’s expiring contract without retaining any of O’Reilly’s salary would also preserve financial flexibility beyond this season.
Nashville could still push for a first-round pick, but the appeal of this proposal would be acquiring several pieces through one transaction. If the Predators believe in Hutson’s ability to contribute soon and Akey’s development potential, the deal could help them begin reshaping the roster without relying entirely on draft picks who remain years away.
O’Reilly’s Approval Would Remain Central
O’Reilly has no contractual no-movement clause, but Elliotte Friedman reported in 2025 that Nashville treated him as though he did. If that understanding remains in place, the Predators would seek his approval rather than simply choose his destination.
The personal question is whether he would welcome playing in Canada again for another Cup opportunity. Edmonton could offer a compelling hockey argument, but his willingness cannot be assumed.
For the Oilers, this would be an expensive bet on a deeper forward group. For Nashville, it would exchange an expiring veteran contract for four future assets—provided both the organization and O’Reilly are ready to move forward.
Next: Hellebuyck Trade Leaves Jets Caught Between Two Timelines
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