1 trade every NHL team should make
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have a fairly obvious need. Actually, it’s two. They need a right handed defenseman who can help out on the power play. Despite having incredible forward talent, the Oilers still have one of the more unimpressive power plays in the NHL. This is largely due to not having a good point man for the power play. Enter Cody Franson, who can be one at a very reasonable price.
A rental defenseman makes the most sense for Edmonton because a rental is far more cheap than a long-term option. Franson isn’t outstanding, but he’s good enough to make an impact for the Oilers. And Buffalo certainly doesn’t need him as a team looking to rebuild. So they’ll be more than happy to trade Franson for the right price. Considering the options for right handed rental defenseman, the Sabres defenseman is arguably one of the three best available. They could target someone like Michael Stone of the Arizona Coyotes, but he might cost a bit much for them.
The Oilers are at a unique position. They could buy or they could sell. Edmonton can wait and see if going after someone like Stone would be worth it. Franson would be a nice consolation prize should they lose out on him.