Eight teams saw their 2015-16 seasons end during the first round of the NHL playoffs. Some teams vastly underachieved in going out this early, while others clearly overachieved. Whatever the case, all eight teams are likely to make some sort of changes this off-season.
Could the Edmonton Oilers make something work with the teams now out of the playoffs? Some of these teams will be desperate and could make drastic changes due to pressure. Let’s have a look at all eight and what Edmonton may be able to accomplish, starting today with the east.
Detroit Red Wings (Lost in 5 games to Tampa Bay):
The Wings made the postseason for a 25th straight season, but they went one-and-done for the third straight year. The Lightning easily dispatched the Wings in what was a feisty but not-so-close series. The Wings also struggled mightily down the stretch and may have been the worst team in the playoffs.
Pavel Datsyuk is rumored to be returning home to Russia this summer, meaning an already weak Wings team gets worse. Detroit has a lot of holes, ones that are similar to Edmonton’s needs, so a trade doesn’t seem likely between these two teams unless someone like Niklas Kronwall shakes loose.
Pending UFA center Darren Helm would be a nice fit as a third line center option in Edmonton, but that’s about it. Verdict – No real match.
Florida Panthers (Lost in 6 games to New York Islanders):
A historically good year for the Panthers ended early as John Tavares put the dagger in their heart on Sunday night. That said, the Panthers are building something special and will likely remain at the top of the NHL for the next few years. This team is dangerous and only getting better.
Edmonton is very interested in prospect Lawson Crouse, but I’m not sure the Oilers have the NHL pieces to get that done. I also don’t think that deal would make much sense. Other than Crouse, the Panthers don’t have much to offer that they would be willing to part with. There is no desperation here either, it’s a young team on the rise.
Pending UFA D Brian Campbell could be of interest, but at 36 years old he would only be a band-aid option for the Oilers. Verdict – No real match for NHL help.
Philadelphia Flyers (Lost in 6 games to Washington):
The Flyers overachieved this season by making the playoffs, but winning is expected with this organization. GM Ron Hextall has done an excellent job setting the Flyers up for the present and the future, and he’ll be looking to make more smart moves this summer.
The Flyers are looking for defense, just like the Oilers, so this isn’t a place to look in that regard. Up front, they have a great power-forward in Wayne Simmonds, but likely would not be interested in moving him.
That said, if there is a contract dispute, RFA Brayden Schenn would be a nice target for Edmonton at center, especially if they move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in a separate deal. Matt Read is another player that I can see the Oilers taking a look at. Verdict – Some appealing options and a few decent fits. Possible partner.
New York Rangers (Lost in 5 games to Pittsburgh):
The Rangers window is shutting fast, and they’ll need to shed cap just as fast if they want be competitive moving forward. New York will likely allow pending UFA D’s Dan Boyle and Keith Yandle to walk this summer, both of whom would be of interest to the Oilers.
Trade wise, the Rangers provide Edmonton with some options. Pending RFA Kevin Haynes is a bigger body and he has some offensive flare. He fell out of favor in New York during the playoffs but he’s a skilled player and would benefit from a change of scenery. Chiarelli was interested in him when with the Bruins so the connection is there. He’d be a good fit on the right side in Edmonton, possibly replacing Nail Yakupov or Jordan Eberle.
The Rangers likely will want to move Dan Girardi as well, but I’d caution against that. The veteran shut-down defender slowed down considerably this past season. That said, Chiarelli and McLellan love veterans so there would be interest there at a reduced rate. Pending UFA winger Viktor Stalberg would be an appealing option as well should he hit the open market. Verdict – Best fit among eastern teams, a deal between these two seems possible.
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