Oilers may be forced to trade multiple forwards to clear roster space
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers on X
The Edmonton Oilers have made two additions at the forward position already in trade, significantly crowding their bottom six forward group which may lead to another trade.
Reports are surfacing this morning that the Oilers are still looking to complete a major trade for a top six forward. They've already got a huge surplus at the position, meaning some players will have to be on the way out.
Edmonton Oilers may be looking to move multiple forwards in roster crunch
In the Oilers lineup last night, the team had three quality NHL players out of the lineup that will be in the conversation for the playoff lineup.
Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, and Jeff Skinner weren't in the lineup, and new forward Max Jones was added as well.
This means the Oilers may have to plan for at least two forwards to come out of their current lineup for the playoffs. Judging by their play this season and roles on the team, the easy candidates are Kasperi Kapanen and Mattias Janmark.
If the Oilers are able to land another top six winger, that puts the roster crunch on even more - and may involve asking Viktor Arvidsson to waive his no-move clause.
Oilers may have to cut one roster player who doesn't fit into playoff lineup before trade deadline
Even if they don't pursue another top six forward, moving off at least one roster forward looks like a necessity for the Oilers today.
New Oiler Max Jones had a fantastic debut with the team last night, registering an assist, 2 shots, and 3 hits in 10:26 of ice time. He plays hard and fast, a style that could take the role of Matthias Janmark.
Mattias Janmark plays a valuable penalty kill role on the Oilers, but he only has 2 goals in 61 games at $1.45M in salary - just not enough production. The Oilers could clear cap space by replacing Janmark with Jones at a cheaper number.
Keep an eye out for the Oilers to move off at least one rostered forward as the 1:00MT trade deadline creeps closer.
| POLL | ||
MARS 7 | 452 ANSWERS Oilers may be forced to trade multiple forwards to clear roster space Do you think the Oilers will move Mattias Janmark? | ||
| Yes | 166 | 36.7 % |
| No | 286 | 63.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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