Edmonton Oilers Eye Game-Changing Trades Amid Playoff Race

Although the Edmonton Oilers broke their five-game losing streak, the pressure to qualify for the playoffs is still high. On the verge of the NHL trade deadline, the team is exploring possible transactions to improve their lineup. The front office will likely make bold moves towards the playoffs supporting Connor McDavid as a leader on the ice. The coming few days could change everything for this team and their playoff path.

While speaking of potential trades for the Oilers, Branden Escott alluded to this point: “I think [the #Oilers] are looking for a forward with speed and size…a D too…it’s dollar in, dollar out, but if they can create some cap room, we’ll see what else can happen here.” According to this statement, there is an ongoing rumor that a possible target for the Oilers might be Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch.

The forward leader for the Buffalo Sabres, Alex Tuch, has now risen to be possibly the hot commodity for trade relationships between the Oilers and the rest of the NHL. The 27-year-old winger has 22 goals and 24 assists in 58 games this year. His speed, size, and offensive prowess make him a perfect mix to go with either McDavid or Draisaitl. In another piece of a moving puzzle, Tuch has a history with the skinniest Oilers winger Jeff Skinner from their time together in Buffalo that could reunite.
But making this move is going to be hard. Tuch, in fact, is in the final season of his seven-year deal, and the Oilers had to clear cap room to fit him in. If that were to happen, though, that could signal the type of playoff spark they were looking for.

While some new names are likely to make their way onto the Oilers' roster, others are rumored to be on borrowed time. In fact, according to reports, the team is said to be exploring potential trading options for Evander Kane, who is dangling despite having a no-trade clause. He is one of the names said to be called into the new center. His injuries this season have not helped, meaning the Oilers have one of their tough decisions ahead of them.
Another name circulating in the rumor mill is goaltender Stuart Skinner. Recent erratic performances have opened up the gates to Calvin Pickard, who came up big in a stellar performance versus the Hurricanes. Trading Skinner could clear up needed cap space for other Oilers' moves, allowing them to add both forwards and defensemen.
Also Read: Are the Anaheim Ducks actually in the mix for Mikko Rantanen, or is this just deadline noise?
The playoff lights are on, and the Oilers are at a crossroads. Connor McDavid's saber comments suggest either his disappointment or his hope that management will make the right moves. Be it Alex Tuch, Brock Nelson, or someone to fill the gap in defense, the Oilers have to act swiftly and efficiently to strengthen their lineup. The next couple of days might end up being a playoff decider, if not one that makes history- if not for the Oilers, then surely for playoff hockey. All eyes are on the Oilers now with the deadlines fast approaching, as fans pray for that piece that will finally tip the balance and allow Edmonton into a deep postseason run.