There are several facts surrounding the Edmonton Oilers this fall that lend themselves to the idea of a blockbuster trade:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one thing to ponder a major move for one more impact piece to a roster teeming with elite talent. It\u2019s another to find cap room and available assets to make it happen.<\/p>\n
What would a blockbuster look like? What assets could be made available? What targets would be ideal?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look.<\/p>\n
In looking for trades between October and the trade deadline that qualify as blockbusters, there are several such Holland deals over the years.<\/p>\n
Holland makes huge moves at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
He also made a deal to bring Larionov back to the Detroit Red Wings in 2000. The story involved a Florida Panthers franchise taking a direction change with management and player, with Holland stepping in at the right moment.\u00a0Larionov was an older, still productive player. That kind of target is a Holland trademark.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s fair to say Holland is a big name hunter and will make a move during the season if opportunity comes available.<\/p>\n
From a needs perspective, young Ottawa Senators centre Shane Pinto fits what the Oilers require and is having a contract issue with his controlling club. The problem for Holland is Pinto\u2019s situation requires more cap than the Oilers can afford at this time. He\u2019s also very young to be the focus of a Holland deal, but the other elements match a typical target.<\/p>\n
One of the issues for Holland in making a trade before the deadline is the number of areas on the roster that could spring a leak.<\/p>\n
Edmonton\u2019s goaltending, right-hand defence, right wing scoring depth and fourth-line centre\/penalty kill are not completely settled as the season draws closer.<\/p>\n
If management makes a deal early for a right defenceman, it\u2019s possible the assets needed to address other areas won\u2019t be available at the deadline.<\/p>\n
Teams who are in contention now won\u2019t be later, meaning the pool of available talent will be larger.<\/p>\n
The best targets for Edmonton\u2019s need, without regard to cap or availability:<\/p>\n
For the Oilers to reach out now to acquire a player in the first portion of the season would require heavy payment. Options are also limited.<\/p>\n
The return would have to include draft picks (including first-round selections) plus young players like Philip Broberg and Raphael Lavoie.<\/p>\n
Add the salary cap issues faced by Edmonton and the idea is borderline impossible.<\/p>\n
Travis Konecny has two years left on his $5.5 million AAV contract and the Philadelphia Flyers are going nowhere in a hurry.<\/p>\n
Konecny is a versatile winger with a complete skill set. He has encountered injury issues but enjoyed a productive season in 2022-23.<\/p>\n
Edmonton would need to offload at least one big contract (Cody Ceci the most likely) and the Flyers would need to retain in order to make things work.<\/p>\n
Understanding that both teams need to have a willingness to make a trade, Holland would probably be best served by dealing for Hellebuyck in Winnipeg.<\/p>\n
There has been much talk about the changing defensive structure this year in Edmonton. The idea surrounds improved net-front presence and not allowing defencemen to abandon the high-danger slot area.<\/p>\n
The problem with that theory is no matter the coverage it comes down to execution.<\/p>\n
The Oilers are built on freewheeling forwards and defencemen often misidentify the real danger. Coverage is an issue in Edmonton.<\/p>\n
A goaltender like Hellebuyck would solve a lot of problems. He would instantly give the Oilers a boost and could save the team dozens of goals over the long season.<\/p>\n
The Jets are focused on winning the Stanley Cup and a big trade that includes the best player leaving town is a terrible message to send a fan base at the start of the year.<\/p>\n
The payment would be dear.<\/p>\n
What makes the idea worth discussing is Holland\u2019s unique position at this time.<\/p>\n
Holland isn\u2019t the riverboat gambler Edmonton fans saw in Peter Chiarelli, but he\u2019s playing his final hand and is laser-focused on winning it all.<\/p>\n
Acquiring Hellebuyck early would be a brazen move that could tip the scales in favour of Edmonton.<\/p>\n
Is giving up some combination of the first-round pick, Stuart Skinner, Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg too much to contemplate?<\/p>\n
For Holland and the management team, it\u2019s worth a conversation. Now and later.<\/p>\n
(Photo of Connor Hellebuyck: Nick Wosika \/ USA Today)<\/p>\n