Last week we covered the suggestion by one writer/fan that the Calgary Flames and New York Rangers might make for good trade partners with Johnny Gaudreau being the central piece in a deal between the two teams. This week, another writer has thrown out a question that has to do with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers. Focused on Leon Draisaitl, he wonders if the Bruins could nab the 100-point center?
Related: Oilers Expected Changes: Coach Rumors, AHL Signing, Goalie Search
Matt Bernier of NBCSports asks, “Do the Bruins have enough to tempt Edmonton for Draisaitl? Swayman, DeBrusk, Vaakanainen + picks? Does that even move the needle for EDM?” As it did when Kent Wilson suggested a Gaudreau trade to the Rangers, a number of fans came out in droves suggesting Bernier put down the bong and understand the Oilers would immediately hang up the phone if offered this. Sure, Edmonton needs a goaltender, and, yes, Jake DeBrusk is an Edmonton-grown product, but Draisaitl has multiple 100-point seasons and he’s arguably the second-best player in the NHL, even if Vaakanainen and picks could include a number of scenarios.
One commenter suggested any trade would start with Charlie Mcavoy, Tuukka Rask, and multiple 1sts, plus Brad Marchand. Of course, that trade is way too far out there the other way and would be Boston overpaying. As with any trade hypothetical, there’s a lot of back and forth with fans of both teams overvaluing or undervaluing what’s coming and going.
It took a little while, but fans seemed to settle in on the fact that if Boston and Edmonton were to seriously talk a deal Draisaitl would be on par with someone like David Pastrnak or Charlie McAvoy as the centerpiece coming back to Edmonton. Even then, the deal is complicated.
In the case of Pastrnak, he’s signed for this season and next at a cost of $6.66 million. That shortens the Oilers’ window to win and all but guarantees the player likely leaves if Edmonton isn’t making a deep run in the postseason this and next year. It helps the Oilers cap situation and allows them to add something else, but the fix is potentially just short-term and short-term doesn’t work for Edmonton if they’re moving a key piece like Leon.
In the case of McAvoy, the Oilers get a defenseman locked up for multiple years, but their cap hit goes up by $1 million, so there would need to be more involved. The Oilers badly need a top-tier defenseman on their right side to play with Darnell Nurse, but why would the Bruins make this deal?
The Oilers Are Struggling, But Not Bad Enough to Trade Draisaitl
This trade was only brought up because of how badly the Oilers have been playing of late. Frankly, it was probably mentioned because Draisaitl had a run-in with a member of the media that caught league-wide attention. In any other circumstance, the Oilers aren’t contemplating trading him. They probably aren’t now.
For the Bruins, it would take a lot to get him from the Oilers and more than the team is willing to give up as they make a run for the playoffs. Boston needs rentals or assets that add to the team without taking much away. Draisaitl would be a massive addition, but the cost would likely be prohibitive.
Next: Maple Leafs’ Player Moves and New Line Combos for Islanders Game
MICHAEL C ZACK
January 22, 2022 at 3:32 pm
It would take high picks and prospects and at least one if not 2 nhl starters. You need a bad team to get those top 5 picks. Boston doesn’t have them . Look to The losers: NYI, Ottawa, both LA teams. Holland wants to be overpaid but, he can’t get it.
Pingback: Four Takeaways from Oilers 5-3 Win Over the Flames
Pingback: Four Takeaways from Oilers 5-3 Win Over the Flames – Hockey 1 on 1