NHL insider Frank Servalli appeared on Sports On Prime and noted that the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to two interesting names in the trade market. Both are rumored to be available. Both are blueliners on teams that have struggled this season. Neither is a pending UFA; each has a year left on their contract after this one. The two names sufracing in trade talks are Justin Faulk and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
When asked who the Oilers have been connected to, Seravalli explained:
“Two in particular that I believe the Edmonton Oilers have circled and are paying very close attention to, and that’s St Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Both bring a big skating element, and the key is that they play potentially on the right side.”
He adds that Faulk in particular stands out. “He’s someone who could bring a totally different element to this Edmonton blue line, and it’s an interesting change for Edmonton. They were originally looking for a scoring winger with size. Now, as they bring Paul Coffey back, they’re trying to get Tristan Jarry adjusted and playing better hockey. They know that they need to defend better. I think of the impact that Mattias Ekholm had in 2023 with his acquisition; those are some names that stand out as having a very similar impact on Edmonton’s back end.”
Of course, none of this happens without the Oilers first moving pieces. Faulk has a $6.5 million contract. Even if the Blues were to retain half of his salary, the Oilers would be looking at a $3.25 million defenseman. They’d need to move money out or back in the trade. It would cost them a hefty price to get the retention.
With Ekman-Larsson, the Oilers still can’t afford his less expensive contract ($3.5 million per season). Again, Edmonton would have to move money out.
Next: Oilers Management Shredded for Offseason Moves and Tristan Jarry Trade
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