As always, I tend to think about the Oilers business and assets the same way I think about real estate. In the real estate market, there are usually 3 types of markets – a sellers market, a buyers market, or a holding/neutral market. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to look at the Oilers current situation is going into the summer, and assess what type of trade market they are in – a sellers market, a buyers market, or a hold (neutral) market?
Asset Analysis
The Oilers needs are obvious. Multiple defencemen, including at least one (if not two) top pairing dmen would certainly be of assistance. I can’t help but think that the Oilers could add multiple defencemen on every level – adding quality top end, complimentary, and bottom end d-men while allowing their current crop of defenders to grow in either the AHL or in reduced roles (see: Nurse, Darnell as a primary example). The reality is that there has been a glut of bottom pairing d-men who have been stalwarts on the Oilers roster for the last 5 years, and topping them out with a stud defenceman or two will undoubtedly improve the team’s chances. They are looking for something that everyone wants that not a lot of teams have (or want) to spare.
The Oilers assets are also obvious – multiple top end and/or complimentary forwards plus yet another (don’t get me started) high end, if not #1, overall pick in this season’s NHL draft. Up until this year, no one would think that one of the Oilers first-round picks from previous years – including Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent Hopkins, or Nail Yakupov – would be available. But the track record of Oilers General manager Peter Chiarelli – who has in the past traded away top prospects like Tyler Seguin- and the comments by both Chiarelli and Head Coach Todd McLellan have indicated that no Oilers player is safe – with the exception of generational player Connor McDavid. In this regard, they are in a seller’s market
Potential Targets
The reality is that the Oilers are looking for something that everyone wants – a stud defenceman. This type of top pairing d-man is not something that any team is overtly advertising as available. This means that that the Oilers are trying to buy something that is clearly in a Seller’s market, so they will have to probably pay more than they want to. The obvious choice for a target is Travis Hamonic from the New York Islanders – but is he a true top defenceman? There is no doubt that he is a steady presence – somebody who does not make a lot of mistakes. He is young, and he already logs a ton of minutes for a player of his age. He is also incredibly dependable – he simply shuts down offense from the other team. Is he an offensive juggernaut? No. But he is what the Oilers badly need – someone who reduces or eliminates quality chances against when he is on the ice while logging a lot of time on the ice while being injury free. But what do the Islanders need? I can’t say for certain that a player like Jordan Eberle would put them over the top and transition them from a team on the playoff bubble to a dominant force.
With all of these things considered, it may be the Oilers best bet to stay in a holding mode. As unpopular as that sounds, the facts are undeniable: although they have a surplus of assets that are desirable across the NHL, they also have a need that is in high demand and low supply.
The net result has two possibilities: either a risk/reward deal from the Oilers, or a stand pat stance that is equally as risky. What will Chiarelli choose? We will find out later this summer….
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
