Oilers linked to two young players from Predators in potential blockbuster trade

NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently reported that the Oilers are eyeing a trade to shake up the roster, specifically talking about the defence group. This caught hockey fans attention, and soon after, reports surfaced linking the Edmonton Oilers to Dante Fabbro and Philip Tomasino in trade from the Nashville Predators.

Fabbro is a 26 year old right shit defenceman and former first round draft pick of the Nashville Predators in 2016. The analytical community has been incredible high on his play in the NHL, but he hasn't earned regular playing time yet from the Predators. Last season, Fabbro played 56 games, scoring 13 points and registering a +9 rating.

Philip Tomasino is a right shot centreman, and a more recent first round pick of the Predators in 2019. He comes with some draft pedigree and clear offensive talent, but his game hasn't been able to translate to the NHL yet. In the last 3 years Tomasino has bounced between the AHL and NHL, playing 148 games with the Predators and scoring 70 points.

Both Fabbro and Tomasino have been struggling to break into the Predators roster as they look to turn a corner and become a more competitive team, so it would make sense for them to explore trades for them. The Oilers truly need a top four defenceman to play alongside Darnell Nurse for a hopefully long playoff run, and if they make this trade, it will be a significant gamble on Fabbro succeeding in an increased role.

This move could be a shrewd move by the Oilers to buy low on two prospects that could make an immediate difference in the lineup, and after losing Broberg and Holloway, it may be the exact move they need.