Earlier this week, we took a look at the Edmonton Oilers and the possible trade fit between the team and the four Eastern Conference teams that were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. Today, we do that same exercise with the four Western Conference teams who saw their season come to an early end in round one.
Los Angeles Kings (Lost in 5 games to San Jose):
After missing the playoffs in 2014-15, the Los Angeles Kings were knocked out rather quickly by their in-state rivals, the Sharks. From a desperation perspective, LA has to be feeling some heat right about now. The Kings must at least win a round next year to keep their status among the NHL’s elite teams, and to keep their profile in a bandwagon market that really only supports winners.
The Oilers will be all over UFA F Milan Lucic if he hits the market, but trade wise there are also some targets here. Tanner Pearson, a quality winger with only one year left on his contract, would likely appeal to the Oilers. He plays a hard game, can post offense and is decent defensively.
F’s Kyle Clifford and Jordan Nolan could also be targets, as they fit the kind of bottom-six player that both Peter Chiarelli and Todd McLellan love. Jhonas Enroth may also appeal as a back-up goaltending option.
Verdict: Possible trade partner with some appealing UFA options.
Minnesota Wild (Lost in 6 games to Dallas):
The Wild didn’t get over the hump this season, and once again fell back into one-and-done territory after two consecutive trips to the second round. Minnesota is in cap trouble moving forward and they desperately need to add some scoring to their lineup.
We’ve talked about Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon as options for the Oilers, and they certainly could be in play. Underachieving winger Jason Zucker may also be in play this summer as a RFA. He may need a change of scenery and would look good on Edmonton’s roster in a depth role.
These two fit so well because Edmonton has an excess of forwards to move while the Wild have some defensive pieces to use as assets this summer. They matchup quite nicely.
As for UFA options, Minnesota has nothing that would really appeal to the Oilers.
Verdict: Very good match for a trade this summer.
Chicago Blackhawks (Lost in 7 games to St. Louis):
I must say, I’m stunned to be writing about the Blackhawks in this spot right now. Chicago lost in the first round for the first time since 2012 and will now be straddled with cap programs and the task of rebuilding their depth. Bob Stauffer tweeted out on Monday night that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Oilers and Hawks linked up on a deal this summer, which I discussed here.
My ideal get from the Hawks? Andrew Shaw, who would be a perfect third line center for the Oilers. Brent Seabrook is another option, with his massive contract, but he began his decline this past season and it may be best to avoid him at this stage. Shaw makes a ton of sense for Edmonton, however, and I think he’s the target.
Pending UFA’s Andrew Ladd and Dale Weise could also be nice gets for the Oilers via free agency.
Verdict: Likely trade partner this off-season.
Anaheim Ducks (Lost in 7 games to Nashville):
The Ducks losing in the first round, and effectively taking a step back, will lead to changes this off-season, there is little doubt about that fact. Anaheim has a surplus of defenders and we’ve all heard the Sami Vatanen rumors by now, while Cam Fowler could also be on the block. Both of those defenders would fill areas of need in Edmonton and at least one of them is likely to move this summer.
Pending UFA’s David Perron, Jamie McGinn and Chris Stewart could all be of interest to the Oilers.
Verdict: Strong possible trade partner.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
