Could Oilers Make Large Moves Come Deadline?

The Edmonton Oilers will be sellers at the NHL’s trade deadline in seven days, that comes as no surprise. What could come as a surprise, however, is what the team actually does. Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Obvious:

Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz are almost certainly heading out the door. Purcell is a solid complimentary forward who is on pace for 44 points this season. On top of that, he’s also a guy that can play with some skill, he’s had success with Steven Stamkos and Taylor Hall at different points in his career.

Justin Schultz, on the other hand, is having another tough season and has minimal value. He’s a pending RFA and while he’s billed as a puck-moving defender, he struggles in that regard. He’s been a defensive liability for the Oilers and has failed, due to his own fault and the fault of the team, to develop into a top-four option.

Friedman: “Purcell, I think there’s a few teams that have asked about him,” including #FlaPanthers if they don’t get Ladd. #Oilers#NHLJets

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

We’ve also heard the Chicago Blackhawks linked to Teddy Purcell via multiple reports, including one out of Montreal.

As for Justin Schultz, Bob McKenzie put the situation into quite a blunt statement on Monday morning:

McKenzie: “He’s got no future w/ the #Oilers, it’s as simple as that.” https://t.co/3pEou48E0S

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsCertainly sounds like the club is moving on from the player. As for connections, we heard about Tampa Bay earlier this month (I talked about it here) and Elliotte Friedman added fuel to that fire again on Monday.

Friedman: “Schultz, I’ve talked about the connection w/ Tampa Bay.” #TBLightning#Oilers

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

Depth Players On The Move?:

Last year, we heard about Matt Hendricks generating interest from clubs. One year later, and Hendricks has enjoyed another solid season as a role player and a veteran leader. I’d say that Edmonton needs more players, not less, like Hendricks, but if a deal comes around that is full value, you have to take it.

Lauri Korpikoski’s time in Edmonton has been a mess, and it would be nice to get out of that contract. The insiders say that Peter Chiarelli is trying to do exactly that, which could set up for some interesting transactions within the week.

Friedman: “I think even guys like Korpikoski and possibly even Matt Hendricks could end up going there.” #Oilers

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

These moves would be interesting for Edmonton for a variety of reasons. It’s quite clear that Korpikoski is not helping and isn’t a fit with this group, so moving him would open up cap space and shed a bad fit. That said, Edmonton may have to retain salary and would likely get minimal assets in return.

As for Hendricks, Edmonton doesn’t have enough players like him that battle hard and make things happen in the bottom six. Losing him would create cap space but would open a hole. I could see a decent return here, maybe even a second round selection.

Bold Baby Bold:

Friedman: “I think Edmonton’s got a lot of balls in the air” on the trade front. #Oilers

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

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Friedman: “This is what I heard last week. Watch Edmonton. I think there’s a lot of people that could end up going there.” #Oilers

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) February 22, 2016

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“I think there’s a possibility Nail Yakupov gets moved at the deadline” – Rishaug

— TyggR (@akaRCN) February 22, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThis falls in line with the last time Peter Chiarelli was a seller at the deadline, 2006-07 in Boston. I outlined that deadline (here) a few weeks back and one trend stood out to me. Chiarelli made far more hockey deals than he did ‘seller’ deals.

Edmonton having “balls in the air” is likely an indication that Chiarelli is searching for actual moves that will help his team now and in the future, not just players for picks. Is it crazy to think we could see a modern day Boyes for Wideman deal?

Watch Edmonton, that’s what Elliotte Friedman had to say. He’s arguably the most connected man in hockey, so when he speaks we should certainly listen. Hey, maybe it’s just Edmonton moving on from veterans, but it could be more. That’s where Rishaug’s statement comes into play.

Nail Yakupov clearly isn’t part of what the Oilers are doing, and teams are always looking for scoring help. He could certainly be a bold move; the first major piece moved out by Peter Chiarelli. This is pure speculation from me, but I still think that Jordan Eberle could be moved. He simply is not good enough to be considered untouchable and off the block.

Final Thoughts:

There seems to be a lot of smoke surrounding the Edmonton Oilers right now. The club is mentioned as one that could be active and some of the potential pieces are coming into view. From reliable reporters, we have heard the following as potential moves: Yakupov, Hendricks, Korpikoski, Schultz, Purcell.

Maybe nothing happens, who knows really, but at this stage it certainly looks like Peter Chiarelli is willing to get creative with this hockey club.

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