Price drops for Oilers top trade target now officially out for weeks with injury

Moments ago, news officially came down that Penguins forward Jake Guentzel will miss four weeks with an injury he sustained last night to his hand. The 29 year old star forward is a pending free agent and not likely to re-sign in Pittsburgh, making him one of the biggest trade deadline targets. The Oilers were one of the most interested teams in Guentzel, and now may be able to trade for him for less than the expected cost.

Conveniently for Pittsburgh, they're expecting Guentzel to be returning to the lineup the week of the trade deadline, now just four weeks away. Still, this will decrease his trade value because Guentzel as an asset is now more unpredictable and risky, considering the injury to his hands that could affect his offensive output.

With 22 goals and 52 points in 50 games so far this season, Guentzel is the best player available at this year's deadline. According to multiple insiders, the Penguins are asking for a first round pick and high end prospect as the return in a trade. For the Oilers, that could be someone like Xavier Bourgault, Raphael Lavoie, Philip Broberg, or a combination. Guentzel is owed $6M until the end of this season, so salary retention would need to be involved in a trade to the Oilers.