In a recent column for AthleticsAllan Mitchell broke the most valuable trading ships of the Edmonton Oilers on the way to the NHL-Handelsdeadline of 2025-26 and one surprise name leads the list: Matthew Savoie.
Although Stuart Skinner is logical and Vasily Podkolzin feels a bit out of the left field, Savoie that is included in the list is perhaps the biggest surprise given the chance he expects to get this season.
Why would the Oilers exchange Matthew Savoie?
Savoie, a very competent winger and former pick in the first round, is expected to get a serious look this season in the top six of Edmonton. After an impressive year in Bakersfield, he gets an excellent chance to earn a place alongside Leon Draisaitl. But as Mitchell notes, contenders such as the oilers often cannot afford the luxury of developing two Rookie -wingers at the same time.
With Ike Howard who also penetrates a schedule, when Savoie struggles or if the oilers need immediate scoring help, he could be a seductive trading ship.
Who can move the oilers even more during the season?
The Mitchell list also contains goalkeeper Stuart Skinner, a proven number 1 with some consistency problems. He is a bargain of $ 2.6 million cap and although that has value for the oilers, his contract can also be easy to kick another team for a considerable return.
Although Skinner has played in 50 Playoff games in the past three seasons, managing director Stan Bowman has made it clear that the goalkeeper position is being assessed. If an important upgrade becomes available, the name of Skinner can be part of the question.
Completion of the list are Vasily Podkolzin, Beau Akey and Maxim Berezkin. Podkolzin, who found chemistry with Draisaitl last season, stays in the mix, but has to keep the competition from Howard and others off.
Akey, an attacking gifted Blueliner set in the AHL, may be superfluous behind Evan Bouchard.
Berezkin continues to produce in the KHL, but his uncertain future in North America can make him replaceable.
With No 2026 First Round Pick, Bowman may have to dive into his prospect pool to make an exchange.
Next: Oilers can offer a veteran a better shot … somewhere else
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