How The Edmonton Oilers Nearly Made a Franchise-altering Trade

This one regards Seth Jones who is currently on the Chicago Blackhawks, Jones was projected to be a top 3 overall pick of the 2013 NHL draft alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Alexander Barkov, until Jonathan Drouin slipped into the mix and stole the 3rd overall draft spot after a strong performance with team Canada in the World Juniors.

The Nashville Predators held the fourth overall pick and although they were stacked on defense with Shea Weber, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and even Matthias Ekholm, they could not pass up on the opportunity to get Jones.

Jones then spent two full seasons in Nashville where midway through his 3rd season he would be traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Ryan Johansen, a #1 center.

The fresh news that could have likely altered the Oilers organization is that the Oilers were heavily involved in trade talks with the Predators regarding Seth Jones. This is at the same time the Oilers drafted McDavid and he was blowing the league away, alongside a developing Leon Draisaitl, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, truly a stacked forward core.

At the time, the Oilers heavily wanted to move 22-year old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, thankfully looking back on it they haven't as ''RNH'' has found a comfortable home in Edmonton.

If the Oilers sent RNH to the Predators they still would have had Taylor Hall, as they wouldn't have acquired Adam Larsson from the New Jersey Devils.

Source: HouseofHockey.com