Oilers top trade target unwilling to sign in Edmonton long term

Throughout the last few weeks, several insiders reported that the Oilers would be looking to make a home run trade at the deadline, with their primary target being Jake Guentzel. It was believed that the Oilers would try to offer Guentzel a contract after this season, but a new update from NHL insider Frank Seravalli says that's off the table.

The Oilers would still prefer to not pay a premium for around 30 games of Guentzel, and with the new report of him being unwilling to sign in Edmonton long term, they'll likely pivot off of Guentzel entirely. If the Oilers go for another high profile big swing in trade, it could be for Pavel Buchnevich, who's under contract for next season as well.

In recent days, reports around the Oilers have suggested that they may be coming off their pursuits of high profile scorers, and instead may try to fill multiple smaller holes in their lineup with the bottom six and defence. They've been connected to players recently like Luke Kunin, Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick, Joel Edmundson, and Sean Walker.


It's unfortunate to hear that a contract in Edmonton would be a non-starter for Guentzel. However, it may even be in the Oilers best interest to pursue a different direction in trade, and fill up some smaller holes rather than adding to their already league-best offence.