I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t know the name Roger Dicklund all that well. Listed on Twitter as a former NHL scout for both the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals, Dicklund claims he’s got multiple sources and on Saturday, he tweeted that the Edmonton Oilers had been calling about two significant forwards.
According to Dicklund, the Oilers (along with the Calgary Flames) have looked into what the asking price is for Los Angels Kings forward Tyler Toffoli. Edmonton has also contacted New Jersey, kicking tires on Kyle Palmieri.
Because I can’t verify the report, I’ll speak less to the likelihood that there are accurate reports, but more to the optics of the Oilers adding either player.
The Oilers and Tyler Toffoli
There have been multiple reports tieing the Flames and Toffoli together but not too many suggesting Edmonton is interested. That said, there are reasons to like the idea.
Toffoli is an affordable-ish rental whose $4.6 million contract expires at the end of this season. He’s motivated to earn himself another hefty contract in free agency and the Kings are certainly selling and motivated to get the best possible return for him, which might mean retaining a little salary. The only reason Toffoli becomes an expensive acquisition is if multiple teams show interest.
Toffoli can play both wings, he’s a right-shot top-six (which Edmonton could use) and he’s typically a 20-goal scorer who is having a down season (his second in a row). Because this is his second consecutive “blip” on his resume, many teams will be higher on other players before they look to Toffoli and that opens a door for Ken Holland. If he acts quickly, shouldn’t cost the Oilers much (certainly not a first-round pick) to land him.
But, if Calgary is willing to overpay, Toffoli will be too rich for GM Ken Holland’s blood.
Related: Muzzin Comments on Maple Leafs Contract Talks and Alec Martinez Rumors
Oilers and Kyle Palmieri
It also makes sense the Oilers would see Palmieri as a great addition, even if there wasn’t any buzz surrounding their interest in the New Jersey Devils’ forward. Dicklund didn’t just say the Oilers were interested, but that they were seriously interested in Palmieri who the Devils probably don’t want to part with for little return.
A $4.65 million cap hit, Palmieri isn’t cheap but he’s consistent and he isn’t a rental. On pace for his fifth consecutive 20-plus goal season, his contract does include a modified no-trade clause, meaning he’d need to include Edmonton as a team he’d be good with joining.
Palmieri has the skills to play on a lot of top lines, often good for 45-50 points. He’s good on a not very good team and on a line with a lot of skill, he could explode just in time for the playoffs.
Who Do You Choose?
If you could choose between these two, who do you go for? Do you go after the rental so you’re not tied to a contract? Or, do you after the player with term but slightly better numbers?
Related: Joe Thornton Comments on NHL Trade Rumors
