Would You Trade This Oilers Package for Simon Edvinsson?

The Edmonton Oilers have shown they can score. Their nine-goal performance against Vancouver offered another reminder that generating offence is hardly their biggest concern. The more interesting question is whether they should sacrifice future assets to strengthen their blue line.

Here’s a hypothetical trade proposal:

Oilers receive: Simon Edvinsson’s RFA rights
Red Wings receive: Jake Walman, Isaac Howard, Beau Akey, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick

For this proposal, Edmonton would sign Edvinsson to a five-year contract worth $9.75–$10 million annually. Those terms are an assumption, not a reported agreement or asking price.

Why the Oilers Would Do It

Edmonton would be betting on Edvinsson becoming a cornerstone throughout its championship window. His size and mobility offer the potential to disrupt entries, close space and move recovered pucks to Edmonton’s forwards. A partnership with Evan Bouchard would be an intriguing possibility, although compatibility would need to be demonstrated.

The argument is about roster balance. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving the attack, Edmonton can consider spending its strongest trade assets on preventing chances rather than adding another scorer.

Replacing Walman’s $7-million cap hit with the proposed contract would increase that defence slot’s annual cost by $2.75–$3 million. Edmonton would still need to establish how the entire roster fits. Five years would secure Edvinsson through important prime seasons, but paying nearly $10 million requires believing he can deliver top-pair results.

Why the Red Wings Would Consider It

Detroit would receive an immediate NHL replacement, two prospects and two first-round selections. Howard offers a potential scoring addition, while Akey provides another development option on defence. The picks could replenish Detroit’s pipeline or support subsequent trades.

There is also a negotiating backdrop. Elliotte Friedman reported that Edvinsson would prefer a trade, although Detroit still intends to sign him. Friedman said the Wings have “gauged his market.” That creates a reason to listen, not an obligation to accept. Walman’s seven-year commitment could concern Detroit, particularly if its priority becomes building around younger players. Retaining Edvinsson remains a credible alternative.

How the Dobson Trade Compares

Montreal acquired Noah Dobson for Emil Heineman and the 16th and 17th picks in the 2025 draft, with an eight-year contract at $9.5 million annually.

That provides a useful framework: two firsts and young talent for a major defensive investment. However, Montreal’s selections had known positions. Edmonton’s future picks could land later, while Howard and Akey carry development uncertainty. Dobson’s established offensive résumé also makes the salary comparison imperfect.

Would You Do It?

From Edmonton’s perspective, I would consider it—but only with the contract settled and a convincing evaluation of Edvinsson’s defensive impact. This is an expensive bet on his ceiling. Walman must also waive his full no-move clause. His consent cannot be assumed, and without it this exact package fails.

The Oilers can score. Whether this trade is worthwhile comes down to whether Edvinsson improves their ability to defend enough to justify two firsts, two prospects and the added salary.

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