The Edmonton Oilers could use some points, especially in their bottom six
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers’ five-on-five scoring was a problem. Adding a top-six scoring winger would be expensive. Future Ike Howard can score, but they sent him to the AHL to work on the other side of the puck. He should get the chance to play in the top flight this season after scoring 13 goals and 18 assists in 24 games.
The Oilers gave up two-way center Sam O’Reilly, who is a better fit for a Kris Knoblaugh coaching staff, to get Howard. There was hope at the start of the season that he would play in the NHL, and if they added a scoring forward at the deadline, it could block his shot this year.
The Oilers don’t have their 2026 first-round pick, and would likely have to give up their 2027 pick first if they trade for a scoring forward.
Mitchell notes: “If the Oilers make a deal at the deadline that Howard blocks, the organization will repeat the path that led Broberg and Holloway to tender sheets. It will also mean a complete shutout of general manager Stan Bowman’s 2025 summer bets on wingers who were thought to be possible solutions on the skill lines: Howard, Andreas Mangiapane And Trent Frederik.”
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers need to increase their offensive production on their third and fourth lines. One way to do this is exercise Ryan Nugent-Hopkins And Vasily Podkolzin to the third line and new left wingers appear Connor McDavid on the first line and Leon Draisaitl on the second line.
One problem for the Oilers is that some underperforming players have no-move or no-trade clauses. Adam Henrique will be included in the line-up when matches resume. Rookie Josh Samansky played well in his audition, but he may have to be sent back to the AHL as they have some immovable NHL contracts.
Top Edmonton Oilers Asset Trading
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers could use a right-handed third-line center, a big middle-six winger and a right-handed second defenseman. The Oilers also need to free up salary to activate Adam Henrique. This year they don’t have a first round.
Ranking the Oilers’ top trade assets heading into the March 6 trade deadline.
1. Matt Savoie
2. Ike Howard
3. 2027 first-round pick
4. Quinn Hutson
5. Second round of 2026
6. Maxim Berezkin
7. Damien Carfagna
8. 2026 third-round pick
9. Roby Jarventie
10. Max Jones
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