Oilers analyst predicts two core players to be traded this offseason
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers will be heading into a crucial offseason this year with a need to retain multiple core players, and one Oilers analyst believes two are candidates to be moved out.
Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner have both struggled at times this season, with Bouchard's defensive struggles and contract asking price raising doubts - and potentially trade offers.
Oilers analyst predicts team could move off Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner this offseason
According to Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell, new management could look upon the assets of the old administration not with the same value, potentially leading to a move.
I'm not sure what Stan Bowman has in mind for summer procurement, but it's possible both Bouchard and Skinner are sent away for more experienced players who have less chaos in their game.
One day, this organization is going to wake up and find itself old, slow and without a single Stanley. It's sad, actually.
- Allan Mitchell
One day, this organization is going to wake up and find itself old, slow and without a single Stanley. It's sad, actually.
- Allan Mitchell
This would be a continued trend for the Oilers and NHL teams that have often sent out young players with a management change.
In Edmonton particularly, it's been a problem when the Oilers have routinely sent out promising young players that go on to have long careers elsewhere - with Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg being the most recent examples.
Evan Bouchard's high contract ask may be tough for the Oilers to fit for now, but with the rising salary cap will make a long term deal easier to stomach after initial sticker shock. The Oilers should keep Bouchard.
Stuart Skinner may be another question. It's much harder to project the salary for a goaltender who has been far below average this season, but may take a team to two straight Cup Finals. Unlike Bouchard, there may be real upgrades on Skinner available in trade or free agency.
It would certainly be a shock to see even one of these two core players depart this season, but if they could be moved to improve the team - they have to be on the table. Their playoff results will definitely affect to what degree the roster changes this offseason.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 736 ANSWERS Oilers analyst predicts two core players to be traded this offseason Do you think the Oilers will get rid of Bouchard or Skinner this offseason? | ||
| Yes, at least one | 430 | 58.4 % |
| Both | 135 | 18.3 % |
| Neither | 171 | 23.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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