Gagner And The Preds?

The Olympic break is now over a week old, and we are closing in on the return of NHL hockey. As the giants of international hockey begin to fight it out in the Olympic playoffs, NHL teams are getting ready to make their final roster additions for playoff runs of their own. Some teams, like the Oilers, are looking to make changes for the future.

Another team in Edmonton’s spot is Nashville. The Predators are likely to miss the playoffs again this season, and have really struggled to score goals. It’s not surprising to think that the Predators, who are likely to move veteran center David Legwand, will be in the market for some offense.

According to a report from The Fourth Period, the team has shown some interest in Oilers center Sam Gagner, who is likely to be dealt before training camp opens in September. The Predators, according to the report, are dangling defender Ryan Ellis and center Colin Wilson as trade bait. Is there a fit between the sides?

The Lowdown:

Sam Gagner is going to get moved. Edmonton simply has too much of the same player. We’ve talked about changing the mix before, and Craig MacTavish has even admitted that it needs to happen. Gagner is certainly on the market, but this isn’t like a Steve Tambellini trade. The Oilers, who could have gotten Kyle Clifford and a pick, held out for a better return instead of accepting LA’s low-ball offer.

That’s a good sign, and likely a sign that there are other suitors out there. Now with this report, it seems like Edmonton might be able to create a bit of a bidding war for the young offensive center. The Oilers must get something in return that fills a hole on this team. Can they get that?

Colin Wilson could be a fit as a big center on the team, and fits the age bracket that Edmonton is working with. He is just 24 years old, and stands in at 6’1” and 216 pounds. That being said, he’s not exactly an overly physical player, and is a lesser offensive player than Gagner is. Wilson’s career averages points wise are in the mid-30’s, which he is on pace for this year.

What Wilson does bring to Edmonton is a bigger body with a better defensive game than Gagner. There are questions however, like is the system responsible for his defensive play, and does he have anything more offensive to give?

Ryan Ellis could be a solid option on the blue-line, as he is only 23 years old, has NHL experience, and is a good puck-mover with offensive instincts. He’s put up 16 points in 57 games this year, and is still developing. That said, he’s a small player and isn’t exactly known for his defensive game. He’s not a clear upgrade to the top-four right now either, and is another guy that will take time.

Wilson might be the best bet from Nashville, but even he comes with some questions that are risky for Edmonton to take a chance on. Gagner is in the midst of one of his worst NHL seasons, and his trade value is at an all-time low. The Oilers are dealing from a major position of weakness, and likely will NOT get full value for Gagner. It’s the harsh reality of the business.

Is Nashville a realistic fit for Sam? From their perspective, yes, but from Edmonton’s? I’m not so sure. For me at least, Colin Wilson isn’t enough. We wait my friends.