Popular Social Account Asks Long-Shot Question About Oilers’ “Fun” Get

Imagine the Edmonton Oilers with one of Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes on the blue line. That’s what one popular social media account did this week, asking fans who they’d rather have. Bleed Oil Blue posted a graphic of Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes in Oilers jerseys. They also wrote:

“Two of the NHL’s BEST defensemen, Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, still aren’t signed. HUGE long shot here, but let’s have some fun… If BOTH somehow became free agents next summer and the Oilers could land one, who are you taking: Cale Makar… Quinn Hughes: Who do you want in an Oilers jersey?”

Two of the NHL’s BEST defensemen, Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, still aren’t signed.

HUGE long shot here, but let’s have some fun…

If BOTH somehow became free agents next summer and the Oilers could land one, who are you taking?

Cale Makar
Quinn Hughes

Who do you want in an… pic.twitter.com/ZFVW20wzi3

— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) August 18, 2026

Obviously, neither is likely coming to Edmonton. However, the story is “fun” because there’s talk about both players’ futures.

In Minnesota, the Wild are waiting for Quinn Hughes to sign an extension. They wanted to ink him to a long-term deal, but he’s reportedly looking only for a three-year contract so he can line up his free agency availability with his brother Jack Hughes.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Avalanche know they’re considering a possible record-breaking contract for Makar. He could be the first player to earn $20 million per season. How long will he sign for? What does he want for term? The Avs have already proven they’re willing to make big trades, sending Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Could either one of these two teams make a surprise trade and move one of Makar or Hughes? Would the Oilers be interested if either became available? Given Edmonton has Evan Bouchard and some huge money tied up in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they’d have to be cautious of their salary cap situation. Does adding $18-$20 million per season for one of these two players create a situation where someone else has to be moved?

One fan wrote, “Cale. Will never happen, but it’s gotta be Cale. Alberta boy.” Of course, that opens the door to discussion of Makar with the Flames. “Makar is going to Calgary. I feel it in my bones,” posted a fan in the thread. Another follower took a different approach and said, “Hughes with the only argument being that he’s a lefty.” That argument would make sense too, given that Bouchard is a righty.

Of course, it’s important to remember this is just a fun exercise, not a suggestion that anything is imminent. Even if one of Hughes or Makar leaves or is traded by the Avalanche, there is no indication that the Oilers are on their radar.

Also interesting is the fact that the post left out Zach Werenski as an option. I mean, if we’re going to be talking about the Oilers getting one of the best defensemen in the NHL, wouldn’t it be logical to add the reigning Norris Trophy winner?

---

Next: McDavid’s Greatest Feat Yet: The Superstar Who Changed Hockey Now Changes the Game Itself