The Edmonton Oilers are dealing with a probably robust choice as they attempt to each improve their top-four on protection and make room for returning gamers. With information that Evander Kane is likely to be barely forward of schedule, the Oilers would be capable of make room in the event that they didn’t produce other wants. However, if the membership needs to herald a top-four defenseman before the NHL commerce deadline, would that imply having to commerce a ahead that nobody anticipated they’d commerce?
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer hinted this week on his Oilers Now present {that a} commerce could also be on the horizon. He famous, “I feel it’s inevitable the Oilers commerce for a right-hand taking pictures defenseman. I feel that’s coming, I feel everyone knows that’s coming. I feel it will likely be picks, for essentially the most half, that will get used.” He then added:
“One wild card is when Evander Kane returns. Does he push a man on the left facet out of the combo? Jeff Skinner‘s signed to a one yr deal for 3 million bucks, Janmark three years. We’ll see whether or not or not Skinner begins to evolve a bit extra right here in Edmonton.”
Suggesting that the Oilers may take into consideration buying and selling Jeff Skinner is a little bit of a bombshell. It’s not clear if Stauffer has inside data that that is one thing the Oilers have truly mentioned, but when they’ve, it appears extraordinarily untimely. On the very least, it begs the query, ‘Are the Oilers regretting that signing?’
Oilers Have Time Earlier than Evander Kane Returns
After simply 11 video games, the truth that Jeff Skinner hasn’t meshed seamlessly into the offense isn’t an enormous shock. He’s obtained 5 factors in 11 video games however he’s nonetheless discovering his method with the workforce. He’s not getting high minutes, even with Connor McDavid out of motion and it isn’t actually Skinner’s fault.
Much more shocking is Skinner’s identify arising regardless of the very fact he’s obtained a full no-move clause he signed with the Oilers as a result of he needs the prospect to play within the playoffs, one thing he’s by no means completed in his 14-year profession. Certain, releasing up $3 million of Skinner’s contract would assist, however he’s obtained full management over whether or not that occurs.
Extra prone to be moved can be the opposite identify Stauffer talked about, Mattias Janmark. Even that comes with dangers. He’s a penalty killer who has proven up in massive video games for the workforce earlier than. At $1.45 million per season, transferring his cap hit is likely to be marginal, however it could transfer a number of years and he’s obtained a modified 10-team no-trade checklist.
Shifting both seems like an sudden twist, but when the Oilers are prioritizing protection, not the whole lot suits.
Subsequent: Calvin Pickard: The Early Unsung Hero of the Oilers’ Season
