NHL Trade Rumors: 5 players the Oilers should target
By Adam Stocker
The Edmonton Oilers seem poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Here are five players the Oilers should target at the trade deadline.
The last time the Edmonton Oilers were in the playoffs, Connor McDavid was nine years old. In 2006, the Oilers made a trade deadline deal for veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson. Behind the strong play of Roloson the Oilers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately for the Oilers, Roloson injured his knee in-game one of the series and was knocked out of the series. The Oilers would eventually fall to the Carolina Hurricanes in-game seven.
Entering the deadline, the Oilers will have just over $21 million in cap space at the deadline. Edmonton have all of their draft picks over the next three years, with the exception of their 2017 second round pick. Additional the Oilers have an extra third and fifth round pick in 2017, as well as several prospects in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors.
Here are five players the Oilers should target ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The fans in Edmonton are hoping that one of these players can take them on a wild run to the Stanley Cup final like Roloson did in 2006.
5. RadimVrbata
Radim Vrbata is currently signed to a one-year $1 million contract. His contract will make a trade easier, but it will also make him an attractive target for other contenders. Vrbata is leading the Arizona Coyotes in scoring this season with 12 goals and 29 assists in 58 games.
The Czech born Vrbata is a proven scorer, who would slot in well at right-wing for the Oilers. He is not a superstar by any measures, but he gives the Oilers some extra depth offensively. Given the disappointing seasons that many of the Oilers wingers have had offensively, a player like Vrbata could be an offensive solution on the wing.
Trends over the past few years trade deadlines, suggests that the Coyotes will likely ask for a third round pick in exchange for Vrbata. However, with so few teams eliminated from playoff contention, a bidding war could ensue for players like Vrbata and drive up the price.