So after taking a night to think about it, I’ve finally come up with my full thoughts from yesterday’s bombshell trade by the Edmonton Oilers. Of course, the team traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Adam Larsson, a young Swedish defender with potential.
An Overpay:
So, this is strange for me. I actually like the player coming back to the Oilers, Adam Larsson. He’s not a number one defender, but he’s a legit top-four guy in the NHL and will eat up 20+ minutes a night for the team. More on him in a minute.
The reason I hate this deal so much? Taylor Hall is an elite offensive player in the NHL. People don’t realize this because he has played on a bad team, but Hall has been the 3rd best LW in the NHL for a few years now and is one of the top even strength point producers in the entire NHL.
Players who can drive possession and post offense are rare, and Edmonton just traded one of them for pennies on the dollar. Yes, I like Larsson, but not at that acquisition price. Edmonton gave up the best player in this deal and it is not close in my opinion.
The team took an elite talent and turned it into a good talent with promise. Had the Oilers been able to scoop other assets (picks, prospects even) then maybe this deal would be up for debate. As currently constructed? The Oilers lose this in a landslide.
Adam Larsson:
A lot of people have been taking their anger out on Adam Larsson. I would suggest that this is not a good idea. Larsson did not ask to be the return for Hall, this isn’t something he wanted. The player is being put in a bad spot, one that I do not envy. Oiler fans will take their frustration out on him and that is unfortunate.
Taking the acquisition price out of the equation, let’s look at Larsson the player. Here is his scouting report via The Hockey News:
| Assets: | Can play the game with exceptional poise. Has a great point shot and an ideal frame for an NHL defenseman (6-3, 205 pounds). Oozes all-round ability and can be a big minute-muncher, too. |
| Flaws: | Could stand to become even more assertive physically, especially when it comes to the utilization of his 6-3 frame. Also, he could stand to shoot the puck far more to produce more numbers. |
| Career Potential: | Talented, big-minute defenseman with a little upside. |
Okay, so Larsson has a few traits that stick out. First, he’s a big boy, clocking in at 6’3″ and 205 pounds. Secondly, he’s a right-shot defender, something the Oilers are sorely lacking. He averaged 22:30 TOI per game last season, so he can clearly handle a big role.
Larsson, according to Todd Cordell (Read this piece from Lowetide, as it is an awesome look at the player), does an exceptional job against the toughest opposition around and is effective in a tough minutes role. That’s something that the Oilers are also lacking.
Those who follow the Devils have also been saying that Larsson took a huge step forward last season and played on the team’s top defensive pairing.
Larsson played nightly against opponent’s top line and was team-best +15 on a team outscored by 20 goals.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) June 30, 2016
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If Ken Danyeko, who knows D-men, says Adam Larsson is a top pairing NHL D-man, that’s good enough for me. Says he’s equal of Hamonic
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) June 30, 2016
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At the same time people that don’t see how good Adam Larsson is on daily basis, can’t appreciate him like we did! Edmonton got a real good d
— Ken Daneyko (@KenDaneykoMSG) June 29, 2016
These are some nice praises for the rearguard. It does not make the trade any easier to take for Oiler fans, but it is a sign that, while the price was dear, Edmonton is getting a good NHL defender.
What Now:
I do not think the Edmonton Oilers are done. The first order of business will be “replacing” Taylor Hall on the left wing. Filling those shoes will not happen, but the team needs to replace him with a legit top-six left winger. It appears that this move is just a matter of time away.
Dreger/Lucic: “I’d be absolutely shocked if he didn’t sign a contract w/ the Edmonton #Oilers on Friday.”
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 29, 2016
It appears that Milan Lucic will be the man that replaces Taylor Hall on the left side in Edmonton. I think it is fair to assume that Looch will be on a line with Connor McDavid this coming season.
After that, the Oilers must try and identify other needs. Adding another defender, someone who can QB a powerplay, is likely a good place to start.
“That’s an area we need to fill, we need to improve.” Chiarelli, when asked if #Oilers were going to get a PP defenceman now.
— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) June 29, 2016
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Going to be tough to see @hallsy04 go. Wish him best of luck in NJ. Adam Larsson gives Oil 22 min/game right D. Chiarelli NOT done IMO!
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) June 29, 2016
The GM has identified this as an area of need, while the club’s chief insider has given his opinion that the club is not yet done making moves. It sure seems like Chiarelli is still working on his defensive group, and that is a good thing.
The unit is much better with Larsson on the right side, but they still lack a top-four option on the blue line. Andrej Sekera is in need of a partner on the second pairing, someone who can move the puck and help out on the man advantage. It appears the Oilers are on the hunt for that player.
Final Thoughts:
This trade hurts, there is no way around that. Edmonton lost this deal handily, but they can still win the war. Adam Larsson makes Edmonton’s defense a better group, and it appears that Milan Lucic is on the way to fill the team’s new hole in the top-six.
Trading Taylor Hall is very tough. Hall came to Edmonton and gave the team some unbelievable hockey during some very tough years. I will always be a fan of Hall and I am sad to see him go. I wish him the best in New Jersey and I hope the rest of the NHL can find out just how good he truly is.
I’ll miss Taylor Hall, but the beat goes on. How will Peter Chiarelli build his hockey team moving forward?
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