Insider reveals Oilers tried targeting different player in disappointing trade with Senators
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers made a seemingly great deal with the Ottawa Senators last offseason to acquire Roby Jarventie, but now an Oilers insider has revealed the team actually wanted a different player.
The Oilers ended up moving former first round pick Xavier Bourgault for Jarventie, a trade that initially seemed like a steal but has since fallen apart.
Edmonton Oilers targeted forward Zach Ostapchuk in trade from Ottawa Senators
According to a report from Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the team was initially interested in Ostapchuk from the Senators, instead of Jarventie.
The trade for Jarventie at first looked like a great deal. The 22 year old Finnish forward had been dealing with some injury problems, but had incredible success over a long period in the AHL.
Unfortunately, after dealing with more injury problems and playing only 2 games with the Oilers organization, Jarventie has elected to return to play in Finland, turning the deal into a big disappointment.
The Oilers were smart to move off Xavier Bourgault when they did. Their former first round pick had been declining in the AHL and still hasn't picked up his game since, with only 22 points in 55 games this year at 22 years old.
Stauffer report indicates Oilers want a grinder on 4th line
Zach Ostapchuk is the player who's had the most NHL experience of the three players, playing 58 games with the Senators and now San Jose Sharks.
The 6'4 centreman had some decent offensive junior seasons and has produced in the AHL, but has mostly played as a grinder in the NHL. He's a St. Albert native, and Edmonton does love their hometown guys.
Perhaps the Oilers will pick up another chance to acquire Ostapchuk, or a similar young grinder to play down in their lineup for next season.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 5 | 256 ANSWERS Insider reveals Oilers tried targeting different player in disappointing trade with Senators Do you think the Oilers could pick up a grinder like Ostapchuk? | ||
| Yes | 181 | 70.7 % |
| No | 75 | 29.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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