It’s getting down to the wire for the Edmonton Oilers.
The trade deadline is Friday at 1 p.m. MT, and team management, led by hockey operations CEO Jeff Jackson and GM Stan Bowman, is running out of time to upgrade the roster ahead of the playoffs.
Despite a dreadful 1-4 road trip and earning just three wins in their last 10 games — only one of which was in regulation — the Oilers remain one of the best teams in the NHL. They aren’t desperate to add anywhere, but there are a few spots where solidifying sure would be useful.
So, we enlisted your help. After asking for your best proposals last week, we’ve provided our analysis as well as a contribution from The Athletic writer covering the Oilers’ hypothetical trading partner.
Here’s a look at 20 potential deals.
A change between the pipes
To Edmonton: John Gibson ($1.4 million retained)
To Anaheim: Calvin Pickard, Viktor Arvidsson, conditional 2026 second-round pick (can become first based on playoff success), 2028 third-round pick
Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Gibson has had injury concerns and struggled behind a poor Anaheim team for years, but this might be too good to pass up. The Oilers could run a tandem of Gibson and Skinner for this season and next, while still having the former under contract at $5 million for the 2026-27 season. Arvidsson’s no-movement clause — reported Monday by Elliotte Friedman and confirmed by PuckPedia — is a sure deal-breaker here, though.
Eric Stephens, Ducks writer: This proposal looked better as I read further into it. The picks are the main thing in this and an extra 2026 first if, say, the Oilers were to win the Stanley Cup or reach the final looks appetizing as that draft is expected to be the deeper one than 2025. The Ducks would prefer not to retain any salary but that’s not a terrible amount to keep on the books. Pickard is serviceable as a pure backup for Lukáš Dostál but he’s cheap. I get Arvidsson is there to make the money work. I don’t think the Ducks would be that keen on having him for 2025-26. Perhaps it could be expanded out if the Oilers add a decent prospect and the Ducks send a draft pick in return (2027 third?). If Arvidsson were on an expiring deal, I could see them considering it more.
Allan Mitchell: The only concern is two additional years of Gibson’s contract on the books. But as DNB said, it’s a deal that addresses needs for a reasonable price.
To Edmonton: Karel Vejmelka
To Utah: Calvin Pickard, second-round pick
Mitchell: This is a deal the Oilers would be wise to pursue. The immediate upgrade would push Skinner for the starting job, and if he plays well enough Edmonton could pursue a long-term deal. With Skinner’s value contract up at the end of 2025-26, this would be an astute move now and for the future.
Shayna Goldman, NHL writer: Utah is technically still in the playoff race, so Edmonton has to sweeten the deal here. Vejmelka has saved 21 goals above expected in 38 games, while Pickard has given up minus-3.3. So, swapping these goalies with little else involved could end their playoff hopes.
Nugent-Bowman: This makes a ton of sense for the Oilers but probably isn’t enough to get it done.
To Edmonton: Jordan Binnington ($3 million retained)
To St. Louis: Stuart Skinner, 2025 second-round pick (St. Louis), and 2026 second-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: Binnington isn’t exactly the most consistent goalie in the NHL, which is cause for pause even if the same thing can be said about Skinner. Getting him at half the cost — a $3 million cap hit rather than $6 million — makes this intriguing despite giving up two noteworthy draft picks.
Jeremy Rutherford, Blues writer: This proposal isn’t far-fetched. A good goalie and two draft picks for Binnington is a pretty good return considering most goalie trades don’t yield a lot. But two things: a) the Blues say they want to be competitive during the retool and Binnington gives them their best shot; b) the Blues believe that Joel Hofer will be the heir apparent to Binnington. If the Blues decided to move Binnington, my guess is they’d try for a first-rounder instead of two late seconds.
Mitchell: I’m not sure Binnington would deliver superior results. Also not a fan of the additional years.
To Edmonton: Pyotr Kochetkov, 2025 fourth-round pick
To Carolina: Stuart Skinner
Mitchell: This probably comes down to how much the Oilers believe in Skinner. Both men should enjoy substantial NHL careers. Skinner might benefit from a change of scenery (playing in your hometown can’t be easy). I don’t think the Oilers do this deal, but I don’t know what Bowman thinks about Skinner.
Sean Gentille, NHL writer: I don’t see it. Kochetkov has been better of late, but he and Skinner have basically identical numbers since the holiday break (.901 save percentages, GSAx in the 5-6 range). If you don’t trust Skinner, I get it, but Kochetkov is even less of a proven commodity. He’s not much cheaper, either. You’re swapping out one question mark for another and not solving the fundamental issue.
Nugent-Bowman: I’m with Gentille. If you’re going to make a goalie change, make sure you’re definitely upgrading. There is too much uncertainty here.
A new goalie, and more
To Edmonton: Ilya Sorokin, Noah Dobson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau ($2.5 million retained)
To New York Islanders: Stuart Skinner, Evan Bouchard, Viktor Arvidsson, Beau Akey, 2026 first-round pick
Mitchell: This deal reminds me of the massive deals NHL teams made in the 1970s. This trade addresses everything Edmonton needs at the deadline. Sorokin is a veteran goalie, Dobson could replace Bouchard’s minutes and Pageau is still effective. The problem is Sorokin’s contract ($8.25 million through 2031-32). That’s too rich for the top-heavy Oilers.
Arthur Staple, Islanders writer: No chance the Islanders say yes to this. Trading Dobson and Sorokin means a full rebuild no matter who’s coming back; that feels like a lot for Bouchard, a prospect and a first that’s going to be a very late pick.
Nugent-Bowman: This trade is more fantasy hockey than with any real basis in reality. It sure would suit the Oilers, though.
To Edmonton: Karel Vejmelka ($500,000 retained), Jack McBain
To Utah: Calvin Pickard or Olivier Rodrigue, Jeff Skinner, Maxim Beryozkin, Max Wanner, 2026 third-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: Of all the options, a tandem of Stuart Skinner and Vejmelka could be the most sensible and manageable from a roster construction perspective. The Oilers shouldn’t be too concerned about losing any of these assets, although trying to get Jeff Skinner to waive his no-trade clause to go to Utah is probably a non-starter.
Goldman: This one threads the needle a bit more for Utah, who could use Jeff Skinner as a reclamation project of sorts for the middle six. But if any team is going to help the Oilers move out cap space, it should squeeze as much out of them as possible.
Mitchell: Agree with Daniel. I like the goalie tandem after the Vejmelka deal. Beryozkin is a dandy prospect, but you have to give in order to get.
To Edmonton: Karel Vejmelka, Nick Bjugstad
To Utah: Calvin Pickard, Adam Henrique, 2025 second-round pick (St. Louis), 2025 third-round pick (St. Louis)
Nugent-Bowman: The one potential downside for the Oilers in this scenario is they’re giving up two players with another year on their contracts for two rentals. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Parting with the two draft picks is the bigger part of the equation. The second for the goalie and the third for the centre is reasonable.
Goldman: By far the best deal so far. Henrique has not been perfect in Edmonton, but maybe playing in Utah around the team’s up-and-coming core would revitalize his game similar to the end of his time in Anaheim. It would give Utah more long-term certainty, and that draft capital helps balance out the differences in the two goalies.
Mitchell: I would keep Henrique but I like the goalie part of the deal.
To Edmonton: Karel Vejmelka, Alex Kerfoot
To Utah: Calvin Pickard, Adam Henrique, second-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: There isn’t a ton to differentiate between this trade and the previous one. It just depends on how much you value Kerfoot over Bjugstad, who’s bigger, older and right-handed. Henrique, equipped with a no-movement clause, as reported by Elliotte Friedman and confirmed by PuckPedia on Monday, holds all the cards.
Goldman: The good news is that this would allow Utah to move Bjugstad in a separate deal. But the big issue for Utah would be that Kerfoot shares minutes against top competition and Henrique can’t just absorb that role in his absence.
Mitchell: Hmm. I like this a little better but would stick with the goalie portion of the trade.
A big swing
To Edmonton: Jared McCann, Jamie Oleksiak
To Seattle: Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, Beau Akey, first-round pick, second-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: The Oilers would need Evander Kane off the books in the form of a trade or assurances he’d remain on LTIR until the playoffs to take on McCann ($5 million) and Oleksiak ($4.6 million). McCann has two more seasons left. Adding someone with his versatility and scoring chops for three playoff runs is probably worth parting with three good future assets.
Thomas Drance, Kraken contributor: That’s a decent haul for the Kraken — a top RHD prospect and a first and a second — but still think it’s light for both Oleksiak and McCann. I’d think Oleksiak on his own is worth a late first-rounder, and then McCann should net more than a second and a talented prospect who hasn’t trended explosively like Akey. I do think the Kraken should consider parting with players in that McCann, Andre Burakovsky, Oliver Bjorkstrand tier as they look to build around Shane Wright and Matty Beniers, but this package seems light.
Mitchell: Drance is on point. I would love to see Oleksiak in Edmonton.
Bolstering the blue line
To Edmonton: Noah Dobson
To New York Islanders: Evan Bouchard
Mitchell: This is an intriguing deal. Dobson is more mobile and a more traditional two-way defender. Bouchard’s edge comes in offensive creativity and passing ability. This kind of trade (equal talents) happens only if both organizations are looking for a style change. It’s a good deal for Edmonton if it wants a different look.
Staple: It’s kind of like for like, two guys who have had some incredible moments and some less incredible ones over their years. I have a hard time seeing how this changes either team outside of, “Let’s see if the grass is greener,” but maybe it’s worth a shot.
Nugent-Bowman: As much as I like Dobson, Bouchard’s excellent play over the last three playoffs makes me wary about moving him. I still believe in the Bouchard pairing with Mattias Ekholm despite their recent struggles.
To Edmonton: Connor Murphy ($2.2 million retained)
To Chicago: 2025 third-round pick (St. Louis), 2026 fifth-round pick
Mitchell: Murphy is slightly below average as a skater, via NHL Edge. Due to foot speed, he’s not likely to be a feature defender versus elites (although he does play against the best often in Chicago) in Edmonton. He would be good value for the suggested package in the final year of his deal, one year from now.
Mark Lazerus, Blackhawks writer: The Blackhawks are out of retention spots, so that’s a non-starter.
Nugent-Bowman: Let’s move on from ex-Chicago players, especially ones with injury histories.
To Edmonton: Brian Dumoulin
To Anaheim: 2026 second-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: Dumoulin is the kind of player the Oilers are coveting as a veteran lefty blueliner. Giving up a second-round pick for someone with a $3.15 million cap hit who’d be the No. 4 option on the port side is just too expensive, though. The Oilers would probably have to move out Brett Kulak for this to work.
Stephens: It’s not that odd for a 2026 second to be more valuable than a second this year but that may be the case given how the draft for both years is being viewed. There’s a desire for the Ducks and Dumoulin to meet on an extension but the difference is believed to be on term. I suspect they’ll take it to the wire and judge the offers that come in. But if Anaheim can’t get him re-signed and this was the Oilers’ offer, I could see them putting it under consideration. Extra picks for the Ducks now should be about adding currency to use toward acquiring an impact player still in his prime years for a roster filled with young talent.
Mitchell: See DNB’s comment. A great target but the cap is king.
To Edmonton: Rasmus Ristolainen
To Philadelphia: Third-round pick
Mitchell: Ristolainen has a $5.1 million cap hit and a contract that runs through 2026-27. His minutes versus elites over the last three seasons show he can have success in a non-feature role. He’s big, skates well and is physical, but the price tag is too dear for a third-pairing defenceman. Pass.
Kevin Kurz, Flyers writer: This is a non-starter for the Flyers, who believe Ristolainen has become a much more valuable asset over the last few seasons and aren’t in any rush to trade him due to his needed size and right-handed shot. The Flyers wouldn’t even do this deal if the Oilers took on his full $5.1 million cap hit through 2026-27.
Nugent-Bowman: If the Flyers aren’t even willing to do this at full cost, you just hang up the phone.
To Edmonton: Colton Parayko ($1 million retained)
To St. Louis: Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, 2025 second-round pick (St. Louis), 2026 first-round pick
Mitchell: Assuming the Blues are sellers this week (that isn’t certain), Parayko would be an interesting target. The contract is heavy and has two additional seasons. His performance versus elites has improved this season and he’s maturing as a player defensively. Another NHL team should be able to beat this offer. I would pass due to contract length.
Rutherford: If the Blues were interested in trading Parayko, which I believe they have zero plans to do, I don’t think this return would come close to what they’d be asking. The draft picks are nice but would be late in each round. Also, where Arvidsson, 31, and Klingberg, 32, are at in their careers doesn’t match where the Blues are going. I know Parayko is 31, but he’s top five in even-strength minutes for defencemen this year and No. 1 in even-strength goals. He’s getting even better.
Nugent-Bowman: I like Parayko well enough, but five more years is just too long to commit to him regardless of the retention rate.
To Edmonton: Jamie Oleksiak ($1.15 million retained)
To Seattle: Matvey Petrov, 2026 second-round pick (St. Louis), 2025 third-round pick (St. Louis)
Nugent-Bowman: Being skeptical about this proposal is less about acquisition cost than it is about the player’s fit. The Oilers are shopping for depth on the left side and Oleksiak is more than that. He can play the right side, but his $4.6 million cap hit is steep even with the retention.
Drance: It’s OK, if Oleksiak was a rental. If the Kraken are trading him now and retaining, shouldn’t the return be closer to the Jake McCabe return that Chicago netted a few years back? That deal returned Chicago a first, a second, a young AHL guy (like Petrov) and another prospect, and I’d think you have to get into that ballpark to make an Oleksiak package — with multiyear retention — appealing for the Kraken.
Mitchell: I love Oleksiak’s game. The offer doesn’t work but my goodness it would be a fun deal.
Help up front
To Edmonton: Brad Marchand, Trent Frederic
To Boston: Viktor Arvidsson, Beau Akey, first-round pick
Mitchell: There are two NMC clauses (Arvidsson, Marchand) in this deal so it’s unlikely to happen. However, Frederic may well be a target for Edmonton. If the Bruins decide to trade him, the Oilers need to be all over it. Oilers fans would love Frederic. He’s a rugged, determined player with some skill.
Fluto Shinzawa, Bruins writer: This starts the conversation. If the Bruins move Marchand, the current market price is a first, a high-level prospect and a young roster player. So, if Frederic is involved, the Bruins would want at least a second-round pick to complete the deal.
Nugent-Bowman: I’m with Allan. It would be a nice get if the Oilers can find a way to get Frederic at a lower cost.
To Edmonton: Morgan Geekie
To Boston: Beau Akey, Noah Philp, 2026 first-round pick
Nugent-Bowman: The Oilers have precious few assets at their disposal. To relinquish two of their better futures for Morgan Geekie, who has just one more season of team control, probably isn’t the best use of them.
Shinzawa: Reasonable. This doesn’t help the Bruins short term, but they need futures in a big way. A first is a first, even if it’s a late one. Geekie is a good, versatile, team-first player under control, although with arbitration rights, coming off a career high in goals.
Mitchell: No. This deal gives up too much. If this trade put the finishing touches on a Stanley Cup team, it would still be too much but justifiable. Edmonton doesn’t have just one need.
Alex Tuch would give the Oilers a power forward presence up front. (Ryan Sun / Imagn Images)
To Edmonton: Alex Tuch ($750,000 retained)
To Buffalo: Viktor Arvidsson, 2026 first-round pick, 2025 third-round pick
Mitchell: This is a worthy target. The contract ($4,750,000) is manageable for Edmonton in the final year (2025-26) even before retention. He faces tough competition (over 50 percent possession, via PuckIQ). Tuch delivers at five-on-five (2.31 points-60). He’s big, strong and can score. The worry? If Buffalo is trading him, another team probably has more to offer than Edmonton.
Matthew Fairburn, Sabres writer: This is an easy no for me. Tuch is highly valued in Buffalo, so the Sabres would set a higher bar than this in trade talks. They don’t need draft picks, either, so this return wouldn’t solve any of their problems. It would only create a new one (replacing Tuch).
Nugent-Bowman: It won’t happen because of Arvidsson’s NMC, but Tuch would be a good addition to the Oilers. He’s tight with Jeff Skinner, too, so that’d be a nice cherry on top.
To Edmonton: Jason Zucker ($2.5 million retained)
To Buffalo: Second-round pick, mid-range prospect
Mitchell: Zucker scored 20 goals in a season for the first time over a decade ago. He still plays against elites at 33, but isn’t as effective in this area. He’s scoring well at five-on-five (2.24 points per 60). He’s slightly below average in foot speed. Zucker would be a reasonable, if less than ideal option.
Fairburn: The Sabres haven’t retained salary on a trade since 2021, so we’ll see if they’re willing to do it to increase the return for Zucker. If they can’t sign him by the deadline, they need to explore trade offers. Unless someone offers a first-round pick, this seems like a fair enough return to get the deal done.
Nugent-Bowman: Colour me indifferent. Zucker is fine. The issue is more that the Oilers have enough undersized wingers.
To Edmonton: Ryan Donato
To Chicago: 2025 third-round pick (St. Louis)
Nugent-Bowman: Provided they can make the money work, the Oilers should consider adding a player with more than 20 goals and a $2 million cap hit for that price. Donato is undersized like Zucker, but he’s younger and the cost isn’t as high. However, this is probably wishful thinking considering the expected leaguewide interest in him.
Lazerus: The Blackhawks have two first-round picks in each of the next two drafts, and seven second-rounders over the next three. This, after making 21 picks in the first three rounds of the last three drafts. So, a third-round pick isn’t going to move the needle much. Donato has spent a lot of time on Connor Bedard’s line and having him play such a role for the next six weeks is probably more valuable to the Blackhawks than another third-round pick.
Mitchell: Donato has been fed against elites this season, and that’s in 241 minutes (a significant total). He can cash against the soft underbelly of the NHL, but the Oilers need playoff performers and there isn’t much time against soft opponents in the postseason.
(Photo: Jeff Curry / Imagn Images)
