I have a question for you. I realize that it was only one game, but Anton Burdasov looked a little bit of alright and I feel like he’s possibly a consideration for this Edmonton Oilers roster. They need shooters to compliment all of their elite playmakers, right? So, with that said, how do you think Ken Holland could go about moving a few of those contracts out IF he wanted to sign the Russian? They’re at 48/50 at the moment.

Just before we get into this post, I’d like to point out that we also cover NHL draft prospects and one of our draft experts, Keith Fries, has just written a post that I think you’d be interested in if you’re as much of a draft geek as I am! Check it out here!

Well, I asked the same question to a number of sources close to the Oilers and the idea that was relayed back to me was… What if they added a sweetener to someone on the farm?

I’ve said previously that I don’t think that Nolan Vesey is going to get any time on the Bakersfield Condors this year. Edmonton simply has too many first-year pros joining the team and to add to that, a few of the 2nd year players were sent down. So there’s a bit of a logjam going on at the moment down in SoCal.

Another player they could try to move is Ryan Mantha. He’s had a tough go since he joined the Oilers. A blood clot in his eye and subsequent heart surgery to try and fix the clot has kept him out of the lineup but unfortunately, his contract still counts.

As for that sweetener, Edmonton has an extra 6th round pick from Pittsburgh in the 2021 draft.

I wouldn’t say that those are the only options for the Oilers, they could terminate Gaetan Haas’ deal as well. I don’t really see that as a viable option at this time. You never know what happens down the road though.

Oilers Watching Eastern Conference Teams

The Oilers had a scout in attendance at the Senators-Canadiens game Saturday. Might they be looking at someone who could properly fill the 3C slot? Center Chris Tierney is an expiring UFA at $2.9m. But so is Jean-Gabriel Pageau at $3.1 and is a right shot. Tierney is a lefty and wasn’t even in the lineup. But Pageau was and had 4 shots in a 4-0 loss. A dip in his production last season may lower the asking price. (source)

This is from Kurt Leavins’ latest 9-Things post at the Cult of Hockey.

One thing that jumps right out at me is that Chris Tierney didn’t play in that game. So it would’ve been tough to scout him, but Pageau did and he’s been a trade target for Oilers fans for some time now, including me.

What are the Senators looking for though? I don’t imagine they’ll be eager to upgrade the roster given the rebuild they’re going through. Also, Pageau is very well-respected in Ottawa. He’s the kind of player you keep around during a phase like this. Unless, of course, a GM comes calling with an overpayment…

Is this about the time we offer Jesse Puljujarvi for JG Pageau? Not sure if I’m ready to board that train quite yet. Plus, what is Pageau going to demand on his next contract? It’d have to be North of $5M, no? Couldn’t the Oilers fill the role he’d provide internally?

I feel like the Habs haven’t been far from the Puljujarvi rumors this summer. No doubt, supporters of the Canadiens would like to see Jesse united with Jesperi Kotkaniemi, however, Montreal GM Marc Bergevin has a massive hole on his defense on the left-side that needs filling and the Oilers might have a left-shot defender or two that could help them out.

Kris Russell has yet to suit up for the Oilers since being concussed in an informal skate earlier this month. Would Holland move him though? He’s very well-liked in the locker room and he’d be a good veteran mentor for players like Evan Bouchard or Ethan Bear.

What do you ask for in return for a Kris Russell these days anyhow since the Oilers have a glut of forwards vying for a roster spot? Reckon the Habs would be happy to deal a draft pick for him? I’m of the belief that they would like to find a new home for Charles Hudon…

On the other hand, I think that Darnell Nurse has looked very well so far and I don’t believe there’s an appetite to trade him. That said, his next contract could be very costly if his agent gets his way and since the Oilers are in a bit of a transition year, is it out of the realm of possibility that he gets moved? Personally, Jonathan Drouin would look good in the Oilers top-6 and I feel like Kris Russell could handle 2nd pair minutes which would leave a spot on the 3rd pair for William Lagesson or Caleb Jones.

The Jets are Freefalling

Jacob Trouba, gone. Tyler Myers, gone. Dustin Byfuglien, gone. Patrik Laine, no contract. Kyle Connor, no contract.

Remind me the last time a Stanley Cup contending team lost their top three defenders and lived to talk about it. Plus, if there was a team that lost that AND two more top-six forwards, I’d love to hear how they survived it.

There’s no way around this for Winnipeg. They need to get those forwards signed but possibly more dire is their need to shore up that defense. Now they could go out and trade for Rasmus Ristolainen or Justin Faulk but there’s no question in my mind that Jason Botterill and Don Waddell are just waiting to bend the Jets over a barrel in a trade.

This is a good opportunity for the Oilers to take advantage of Winnipeg a bit here. Why not offer them Matt Benning? They’ve got Neil Pionk, Sami Niku, Tucker Poolman, and Luke Green for depth on the right side of their defense and that’s not gonna cut it, Ted.

Benning is betting outplayed by the likes of Ethan Bear, Evan Bouchard, Joel Persson, and William Lagesson. I’d even argue that Brandon Manning has been equal to or better than the St. Albert native. He’s only got one year remaining on a contract that will see him earn $1.9M and he’s a player that can help out on the 2nd pair in times of need. I figure his work ethic and great attitude would fit right in with the Jets.

Perhaps Holland only asks for a draft pick in return (which would bring us back to the beginning of this post when I was talking about “sweeteners”) and calls it a day.

What do you think of these trade rumblings and ideas? Let us know in the comments below!