The Olympic trade freeze is lifted. With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, check out the latest on the Oilers and Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD THE OILERS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that the Oilers have acquired a defenseman in two of the last three NHL trade deadlines. As much as they need a third-line center, Matheson believes they have a greater requirement for a right-shot top-four blueliner.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (NHL Images)
Matheson referred to TSN’s Craig Button’s suggestion that Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks would be a good fit alongside Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Other options include Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. However, Schenn is aging, Peeke and Perbix are “iffy”, and Ristolainen has an injury history.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the available options are either out of the Oilers’ price range in terms of return and cap hit, or could be risky acquisitions if they fail to mesh well on their blueline.
The Oilers could wait a few days to see how the blueline corps responds to the return of Paul Coffey as their defense coach. However, if they wait too long, they could lose out on the few options in the trade market.
What do you think, Oilers fans? Let us know in the comments section which defensemen you believe your club has a realistic chance of acquiring by the trade deadline.
THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell also looked at possible trade targets to address the Oilers’ need for a right-shot defenseman.
Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and John Carlson of the Washington Capitals are mentioned. However, multiple factors (cap hit, no-trade clauses, expensive return) rule them out for the Oilers.
Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers is a good bet to have strong shutdown seasons, but the 24-year-old could be a risky move as a deadline addition. Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames is very good, but the Flames aren’t likely to help their long-time rival.
As for Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Mitchell pointed out that they’re not having strong seasons.
Mitchell believes Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators would be a perfect fit based on his numbers versus elite talent. However, he’s unlikely to be available.
COULD THE FLYERS MOVE RASMUS RISTOLAINEN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers would be willing to listen to calls about Rasmus Ristolainen.
Kurz noted there was tepid interest in Ristolainen last season until the final days leading up to the 2025 deadline. He indicated that the lanky defenseman has a year left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $5.1 million.
As a right-shot blueliner, Ristolainen could draw more interest this season, given the limited number of sellers. The Flyers won’t be interested in a minimal return for him.
The Dallas Stars could be a suitor. They could be seeking a right-shot defenseman after losing out on Rasmus Andersson, who was traded by the Flames to the Vegas Golden Knights last month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen has become a more defensively reliable rearguard in Philadelphia. Having that extra year on his contract would make him enticing for clubs seeking players who will be more than rentals. However, his injury history could lead clubs to pursue healthier options elsewhere.