Trade Chatter Surrounds Top Defensemen with the Oilers and Maple Leafs

Trade discussions involving Morgan Rielly could resurface this offseason as both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers look to reshape their blue lines. According to insider David Pagnotta, the two teams explored a potential deal ahead of the trade deadline and may circle back to those conversations in the coming months.

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Toronto’s desire to retool its defense was made clear by general manager John Chayka, who emphasized the need to reshape the blue line during his introductory press conference. That could open the door for significant changes, including the possibility of moving a core piece like Rielly. Pagnotta suggests a secondary move could involve defenseman Brandon Carlo.

Edmonton, meanwhile, is believed to be in a similar position, evaluating ways to upgrade its defensive group after an inconsistent season. Their coach was fired, a search for a new coach has begun and the team is looking to hold its star players more accountable. Does that mean trading a piece of the core, like Darnell Nurse? It’s risky and complicated given his closeness to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, plus his no-move clause, but the Oilers may see it as a critical piece of offseason business.

Moving Nurse for Rielly (or just moving Nurse at all) could be the start of a big shift to their defensive core.

Pagnotta said one team to watch out for is the San Jose Sharks. He mentions them as a potential landing spot, particularly as they look to add veteran leadership on the back end and have the money and salary cap space to take on most, if not all, of his contract.

Other Defensemen on the Oilers to Watch

As for other d-men the Oilers might consider moving, Jake Walman is an interesting option. The Oilers just gave him a seven-year contract extension, and he struggled in his last season before the new deal kicks in on July 1. There may be a bit of buyer’s remorse there, if only because his defensive awareness was off and his health has been a concern. Set to make $7 million per season for the next seven seasons, he, too, has a no-move clause that looks a bit problematic now.

Ty Emberson and Evan Bouchard are the two blueliners without trade protection. Bouchard isn’t going anywhere. The Oilers like Emberson and his contract, but they also have players in the system who could potentially take on a bigger role.

While nothing appears imminent, the future of both the Oilers and Maple Leafs when it comes to their respective blue lines is worth watching. Specifically, Rielly and Nurse are shaping up to be one of the more interesting storylines of the offseason.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers & Golden Knights Torts’ Act