Oilers Trade Deadline: One More Move Before Clock Hits Zero?

The Edmonton Oilers may not be finished just yet.

With the NHL trade deadline looming for tomorrow, there is a growing thought that Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman may still have a trick or two left in his sleeve. The Edmonton Oilers have been active in the days leading up to the deadline, and cap management throughout the week has indicated that there is still a possibility that the Oilers may make a move prior to the deadline.

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According to cap management, the Edmonton Oilers still have just over $2 million in cap space if the team continues to juggle its players, and that number increases to just over $4.5 million if a salary is retained in a potential deal.

Oilers Still Looking for a Scoring Winger

Despite addressing some of their needs earlier in the week, Edmonton’s biggest need remaining appears to be adding a scoring winger.

As they already have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl carrying the offensive load, it would be beneficial for Edmonton to add a top-nine forward that can contribute to their secondary scoring chances down the stretch and into the playoffs. One player that has been floated around as a potential candidate for Edmonton is Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As a player, McMann would be a type of player that Edmonton could look to acquire if they’re looking to make a deal at this point in the season.

As a player with a salary in the $4 million range and salary retention, Edmonton could still be a cap-friendly team while adding a winger to their roster.

Henrique’s Situation Complicates Salary Plans

One of the biggest hurdles that the Oilers have faced in the days leading up to the deadline is the situation surrounding Adam Henrique.

It came out earlier in the week that Henrique is not willing to waive his no-movement clause, and this has been a big roadblock in the Oilers’ ability to make a move that would clear cap space via a traditional salary dump.

This would give the front office a lot more flexibility to pursue a “bigger fish” in a trade.

In a bit of a surprise, the Oilers picked up Jason Dickinson, and this has given them a lot more depth down the middle.

This situation, however, is still fluid and may change in the next 24 hours.

If Adam Henrique changes his tune and is willing to waive his clause, the Oilers might be able to include him in a trade to clear cap space and pursue a “bigger fish.”

One player that would certainly be a “bigger fish” is Tom Wilson, a forward for the Washington Capitals. Wilson is a great all-around player and has the skills and physicality that would be a great fit for the Oilers’ style of play in the playoffs.

Of course, pulling off that type of trade would require creative cap gymnastics and likely multiple teams involved.

Goaltending Questions Continue to Linger

Another storyline that continues to hover around Edmonton is the goaltending situation.

Starter Tristan Jarry has not appeared in a game since Feb. 25, which has raised some eyebrows around the league. Whether that absence is simply a coaching decision or something more strategic remains unclear, but it has fueled speculation that the Oilers could explore the goalie market before the deadline.

Two potential targets that have been mentioned in speculation circles are Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers.

A scenario where Edmonton flips Jarry in a deal for Binnington would certainly shake up the crease, though it would also come with significant financial implications. Meanwhile, acquiring Bobrovsky would likely require major salary retention or a multi-team trade to make the numbers work.

Still, with the Oilers firmly in win-now mode, the possibility of a bold move cannot be completely ruled out.

Bowman Has Shown He Can Get Creative

If there is one thing Oilers fans have learned over the past few days, it’s that Bowman is not afraid to get creative.

Between roster demotions, waiver moves, and cap maneuvering, Edmonton has positioned itself to remain flexible heading into the final hours before the deadline. That flexibility could allow the team to take advantage of opportunities that emerge as other clubs scramble to finalize deals.

Whether the Oilers ultimately add a scoring winger, explore the goaltending market, or attempt a bigger blockbuster move, one thing is clear, Edmonton’s deadline activity may not be finished just yet.

And if history has shown anything, it’s that the most surprising trades often happen right before the clock runs out.

Next: Maple Leafs Extending Bobby McMann Still in Play, Per Insider