Oilers And Eberle Parting?

The Oilers have won three in a row, but the talk is back on the trade chatter that has surrounded the team in recent weeks, namely involving Oilers forward Jordan Eberle. Earlier Sunday, the topic was brought up again by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, who wrote the following quote in his weekly blog.

Keep hearing the Oilers are listening to offers for winger Jordan Eberle. Do me a favour, call GM Craig MacTavish to get a denial.

It’s an interesting point that keeps getting brought up, and it’s worth the discussion. Why? There’s just too much smoke here for there not to be any kind of fire. Too many people are saying the Oilers are taking calls on this guy, and too many people are saying big scouting parties are following the Oilers.

We know the Bruins are interested, and there are some reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have shown interest with Nathan Horton still battling a potentially carer threatening injury. The Flyers have always liked Eberle, and a certain rumor site mentioned Montreal as well. That’s four potential suitors for a player that could bring a massive haul back to Edmonton.

A Potential Price:

A rumor compliments the Fourth Period listed Edmonton’s asking price as a top-six forward at the NHL-level, a young NHL defender, and a first round pick. That’s a massive return for one player, although Eberle is close to a 30-goal guy each year, and will get you at least 60 points. That’s good production, and may be worth the price depending on who is in the deal going back.

This means no Chris Kelly package either Oiler fans, so don’t worry about that whole thing. What this does potentially mean however is Edmonton could change their mix with a trade like this. For example, with a team like Boston, the ask would be Milan Lucic, who is the power-forward Edmonton lacks, Kevan Miller and a first. That’s a lot from Boston, but it’s an idea of what Edmonton would want.

From Montreal, a package looking like Lars Eller, a first and, let’s say Alexei Emelin, would be the ask. That makes Edmonton a better team, no doubt about it.

If Edmonton gets their asking price, an Eberle trade could actually end up improving the roster, and more importantly, could end up changing the mix in Edmonton, which is much needed.

The Likelihood:

At this point, not very good. Edmonton will want to wait out this home-stand, and if they win at least one game this week, will likely want to wait out their Eastern road trip. Edmonton doesn’t want to make that bold trade if they don’t have to, and will hope that this current roster can turn it around.

I personally can’t see a trade of Jordan Eberle unless it gets to a point where Craig MacTavish feels that he absolutely must make a trade. Edmonton loves it’s young core, and won’t be willing to dip into it unless they have to.

That said, I think we need to brace for the potential impact trade. If this season goes down the tubes, and it very well might, then the Oilers will have to do something to try and jump start this thing. It’s then that I think a massive trade could happen, and Eberle could be the piece.

For now, Jordan Eberle is safe in Edmonton, but if this ship turns south again, and the smoke continues to billow from reliable websites like TFP and the Ottawa Sun, then we need to re-visit this, look long and hard at the potential fits and asking prices, and start to map out where this franchise is heading.

For now, I’m not overly worried with Eberle talk, but in a week or two? It could be a very, very different tune.