As the March 6th NHL trade deadline looms, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: searching for a coveted third-line center. The team's success often hinges on the depth of their roster beyond Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, making the acquisition of a reliable center a crucial piece for a deep playoff run. However, securing such a player may ignite a bidding war, testing the Oilers' assets and salary cap flexibility.
General Manager Stan Bowman has publicly stated the desire to add a top-nine forward, and the search for a third-line center is a key component of that strategy. Several names have been floated as potential targets, each with their own set of pros and cons.
One prominent name linked to the Oilers is Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers. The 32-year-old is having another productive season and is known for his all-around game, excelling in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill. His faceoff prowess is also a valuable asset. However, acquiring Trocheck would not be easy. He carries a $5.625 million cap hit through 2029, and the Rangers may have several suitors interested in his services. The Oilers would likely need to move out salary, potentially including Andrew Mangiapane, to make the money work.
Another potential target is Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 32-year-old is a gritty, physical player who can also contribute offensively. Jenner is considered an "obvious trade candidate" as his contract expires after this season and carries a reasonable $3.75 million cap hit. However, he has an eight-team no-trade list, which could limit the Oilers' chances of acquiring him.
Other centers who could be on Edmonton's radar include Ryan O'Reilly (Nashville Predators), Charlie Coyle (Boston Bruins), and Jean-Gabriel Pageau (New York Islanders). Each of these players brings a unique skillset and contract situation to the table, requiring Bowman to carefully weigh the options.
The Oilers' internal debate regarding Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' optimal position also plays a role in their trade strategy. While Nugent-Hopkins has proven to be effective at center, he also thrives on the wing alongside McDavid. If the Oilers believe Nugent-Hopkins is best suited on the wing, it increases the urgency to acquire a bonafide third-line center.
Edmonton's limited cap space and prospect pool present challenges in any potential bidding war. Bowman may need to get creative and consider moving young talent or draft picks to entice a team to part with a valuable center. Some of the Oilers' prospects who have exceeded expectations include Hutson, Samanski, Jarventie and Marjala.
Ultimately, the Oilers' ability to win a bidding war for a coveted third-line center will depend on a combination of factors, including the willingness of potential trade partners, the assets Bowman is willing to part with, and the Oilers' ability to navigate the complexities of the salary cap. As the trade deadline approaches, the pressure mounts on the Oilers to address this crucial need and solidify their chances of making a deep playoff run.
