In recent weeks, the Edmonton Oilers have changed their priorities at the trade deadline than what was previously expected this season. Earlier this year the Oilers were expected to make an add at goaltending, but now they're believed to be shifting their focus to forwards. Now, the Oilers are being linked to a star player available on the Calgary Flames, centreman Elias Lindholm.
According to several reports this year, Lindholm is believed to be available as the Flames try to launch themselves into a full rebuild. Calgary would be seeking a first round pick, prospect, and roster player for Lindholm with a retained salary. Oilers insider Bob Stauffer believes the team may be kicking tires on Lindholm, offering up prospect Xavier Bourgault and defenceman Brett Kulak.
For any trade the Oilers will make at the deadline this season, at least one roster player will have to leave the team. Right now, due to the size of their contracts and the ability to replace them internally, Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci are the obvious candidates.
Now that GM Ken Holland and the Oilers have added an integral piece to the bottom six in Corey Perry for free, the team will have the assets and the willingness to be more aggressive at the trade deadline this year. It seems their plan is to spend whatever assets they can to help this team go on a long playoff run because right now on a 14 game win streak, the Oilers already look unstoppable.
