The Minnesota Wild and the Edmonton Oilers seem like a good fit trade wise. The Wild are looking for some forward help and have an excess of defenders, while the Oilers have forwards to spare but not nearly enough defensive cover. On Monday, we talked about Jonas Brodin and his fit in Edmonton. Today, we look at another Minnesota defender, Jared Spurgeon.
Why Is He Out There?:
Minnesota is likely not looking to move Spurgeon, but it’s not out of the question. Jim Matheson speculated on Edmonton’s interest in the defender back in May of 2015, which was then followed up by this piece from Mike Russo on the Wild side of things.
As I wrote in my end-of-the-year analysis, I think the writing is on the wall that defenseman Jared Spurgeon gets traded this summer or next … I just don’t see how the Wild can make the math work even though the organization has immense respect for the right-shot Spurgeon, one of the team’s best two-way, mobile defensemen.
Since then, Minnesota has re-signed the defender to a four year deal worth $5,187,500 per season. The odds they trade him before the new deal kicks in are slim, but Minnesota had another early playoff exit, has some serious cap issues, and will need to send money out in order to bring money and scoring help in. Spurgeon could be a valuable trading chip.
What Does He Do Well?:
Jared Spurgeon is not a big man, only 5’9” and 176 pounds, which results in him not being an overly physical player. While some Oiler fans won’t be able to get past that point, this player is still very effective and is, to my eyes, a top-four NHL defender.
He’s a very strong puck-mover and an exceptional passer. Spurgeon’s ability to get the puck from the defensive zone to the attack is one of his many strengths, in fact he’d likely be one of Edmonton’s best puck-movers right away. He also possesses a very good shot, making him a threat from the point both at even strength and on the powerplay. Edmonton, currently, does not have a point threat.
Another important detail about Jared Spurgeon? He’s a very good skater, able to join in on the rush. His speed would make him a good match as an offensive defender with Edmonton’s skilled group up front.
Defensively, Spurgeon makes up for not being the biggest man by playing a very good positional game. He won’t throw a thundering check to break up a cycle, but he’s good with his stick and he always seems to be in the right spot at the right time.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
Jared Spurgeon is a right-shot defender, so if the Oilers acquired him he would slide in opposite Oscar Klefbom on the team’s top-pairing. As of right now, Edmonton simply does not have any better options at RHD than Spurgeon, meaning he would be forced into this role.
Judging by his TOI per game (22:40), that top-pairing role is likely a tad much. He should be playing in a number three role, on the second-pairing at even strength and on the top powerplay unit. He’d be slightly in over his head with the Edmonton Oilers at this point.
What Will He Cost:
Minnesota is looking for young centers, we know that, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is far too high of a price for Jared Spurgeon. Last year, Matheson floated the name Nail Yakupov around in regards to Spurgeon and Minnesota. After a disastrous year and a trade request, there is no chance that Yakupov brings a player like that back in return.
Could a package deal involving Yakupov and, say, a second round pick or a defender get it done? What about a younger defender like Griffin Reinhart or even Brandon Davidson going the other way?
Closing Argument:
The Oilers may have had a window to acquire Jared Spurgeon that they missed one year ago. The odds that Minnesota moves the defender are slim, but we know that changes will be made and there is at least a chance something gets done surrounding the defender.
If Spurgeon is in fact in play this summer, then the Oilers should be all over the Edmonton native. He’s a right-shot, still young and is established as a top-four defender in the NHL. In terms of his style of play, the offensive defender is almost a perfect fit for Edmonton’s second pairing moving forward.
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