The Edmonton Oilers are finally in a position to add to their roster at the trade deadline instead of selling off their players for draft picks and magic beans.
With that being said, leading up until the trade deadline on February 28, I will be looking at possible trade deadline targets for the Edmonton Oilers.
KEVIN SHATTENKIRK
The biggest fish in the pond as far as defensemen go, Kevin Shattenkirk will be a headline player leading up to the trade deadline.
Everyone knows that Shattenkirk fits an exact need for the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers need a right-handed power play quarterback and that is exactly what Kevin Shattenkirk is.
While the Oilers have solidified their defensive group with Adam Larsson, Matt Benning, and Kris Russell, but neither of those players are power play quarterback at this moment. Matt Benning has a chance to be that guy down the road.
The big risk here is the fact that Kevin Shattenkirk is a pending unrestricted free agent and he will get to decide where he wants to play. He’s going to get paid.
If the Oilers feel they can go on a little bit of a run this year in the playoffs, then it makes sense to acquire Shattenkirk. Word has it the price is a conditional 1st round pick, a young roster player and a prospect.
We know the Oilers were interested in Shattenkirk in the offseason but the player didn’t seem to believe in the Oiler’s future and wouldn’t sign an extension and the deal ultimately fell apart.
Today, the Oilers are in a playoff position with a really bright future under the leadership of Connor McDavid, and Shattenkirk could have had a change of heart.
The concern isn’t about losing the player, the concern should be keeping the player and how much it will hurt the team in the future.
Shattenkirk will likely fetch $7 million plus on his next contract, and with Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, Matt Benning, Drake Caggiula and of course Connor McDavid needing newer and more expensive contract down the road, Shattenkirk may not be able to fit under the budget.
If the Oilers felt they could win a Stanley Cup this year, then you chase a player like Shattenkirk. Unfortunately, that isn’t this year. It could be next year believe it or not, but not this season.
Shattenkirk will have plenty of suitors and Blues GM Doug Armstrong will trade the player, but it’s just not a good fit for the Oilers today and for the future.
It’s not completely off the table, but I believe the Oilers would be better off to pass today.
PROBABILITY: 10%
DEAL PREDICTION:
EDM:D Kevin Shattenkirk
STL: D Brandon Davidson, D Jordan Oesterle, 2018 conditional 1st round pick
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