On the Edmonton Oilers …
The Fourth Period: TFP reported earlier this season that the Oilers held trade talks involving defenseman Oscar Klefbom, and those trade talks are expected to continue this offseason.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug wondered about Klefbom and No. 10 pick for Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Out of Boston comes the Klefbom for Torey Krug.
Other teams that should some interest in Klefbom this season include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Bob Stauffer tweeted last week that the Oilers may not be looking to make a big trade this offseason.
“Rumours of the Oilers closing in on a blockbuster deal at this time would be greatly exaggerated IMO…this might be an off-season where less is more.”
Craig Simpson said it’s not easy for a team to make a big trade for a star defenseman.
“What you see around the league is that it’s rare that you make a big splash.”
Simpson continued that the Oilers may not have the salary cap space to sign pending UFA defenseman John Carlson, though that may not matter as Carlson may not want to play in Canada.
“My guess is you’re going to have to tweak and you’re going to have to add guys and you’re going to have to hope some young players that you maybe give an opportunity fill in.”
Lowetide.ca: TSN’s Ryan Rishaug said that the “Oilers will go big-game hunting for blue-line help.”
Torey Krug could be that defenseman. Krug is under contract for the next two years at a $5.25 million salary cap hit.
Joe McDonald of The Athletic wrote:
“If (general manager Don) Sweeney decides to package a player like Torey Krug, who’s still under contract for another two seasons with a cap hit of $5.25 million, in exchange for a first-round pick, it could also give the Bruins flexibility to acquire an elite left-handed defenseman to play with McAvoy as a top pair.”
The talk of Oscar Klefbom and the No. 10 pick for Krug could have the making of a potential trade. thinks the Bruins would need to include something else, a skilled winger like Danton Heinen, though not sure the Bruins would move him.
