When the Edmonton Oilers added Matthias Ekholm at the NHL trade deadline last season, few could have imagined how successful that trade would be for Edmonton. Giving up Tyson Barry to add Ekholm was seen by some as a risk, though the reasoning was sound: Trade in an offensive defenseman with a more solid defensive veteran. What people haven’t factored in is the powerful offense Eckholm will carry in his very well-rounded game, and Ivan Bouchard will make a positive leap when given more responsibility.
For the Oilers, this marks the offseason that GM Ken Holland needs to find another similar deal. Whether he trades Cody Ceci or Kailer Yamamoto, moves someone like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, or parts with a player like Warren Foegele, if there’s a promotion that provides the Oilers with a missing component, Holland is bound to look at it. The question becomes, who is there?
Damon Severson
There was buzz that Edmonton might be eyeing New Jersey native Damon Severson as a sweet free agent. Frank Serravalle speculates that Severson is eyeing a six-year deal at around $6 million a season, which is possible for the mixes if they move Ceci and Yamamoto first. The question becomes how much of a promotion he’s outselling Ceci and whether he’s worth that kind of deal, especially since it seems like the Devils have chosen not to make Severson a priority.
The Oilers would need to get rid of both Ceci and Yamamoto without getting anything back, which may or may not be possible.
Eric Carlson
Prior to the Ekholm acquisition, there was talk of the Oilers taking a long look at Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks. The contract is a beast, and while the Sharks may consider moving his deal this summer, they don’t seem more willing to keep the salary than the mere 10%-12% reported a few months ago.
If so, the oilers are not in this conversation. But, if the Sharks are open to flexibility and will take on a contract like Jack Campbell back in the deal, there is a long chance for Edmonton to reconsider this. Carlson is definitely an upgrade because he’s the most likely favorite to win the Norris Cup this year.
Radko Judd
Radko Gudas is already a famous player in Florida. If the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, it will be even more desirable and Serravalle’s offer of three years multiplied by $3.3 million may be on the low end. Gudas isn’t necessarily an upgrade on Ceci, but it does bring a different element. The costs would be about the same and a deal like this would see Holland admit their combination isn’t quite right.
There are some risks here as Judas is 33 years old and the odds of him making some kind of positive impact on any NHL roster as he has this year in Florida might be slim. The Oilers will need to be careful not to overspend on range or money here.
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