The Edmonton Oilers could look to re-acquire a defenseman and target a missed draft pick
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun: The Edmonton Oilers should look at re-acquiring Buffalo Sabres right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring. He’s been a healthy scratch during the playoffs and his behind Conor Timmins and Logan Stanley. The Sabres also have prospect Radim Mrtka in the pipeline.
Word is Kesselring is not a happy camper, and maybe the Sabres would move in the offseason for a bottom-six forward. The Oilers sent Kesselring to the Coyotes in the Nick Bjugstad deal at the deadline a few years ago. The Oilers won’t be the only ones looking for right-handed defensemen.
Another player the Oilers should look at is Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa. Under different management, the Oilers wanted to draft him in 2021, but the Wings moved up and drafted him. Cossa isn’t starting in the playoffs for Grand Rapids (AHL) and the Wings signed fellow prospect Trey Augustine.
A Trade That Would Help the Oilers, and the Avs Will Have Cap Issues
Now, Cossa has only played one NHL game, but he has 123 AHL games under his belt. Would the Oilers be okay with a Tristan Jarry – Cossa tandem, or some other 1B as an option?
The San Jose Sharks and the No. 2 pick
Mark Lazerus of The Athletic: The San Jose Sharks moved from No. 9 to the second overall in the 2026 NHL trade after the draft lottery. They will have a top two pick for the third year in a row – Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa. They picked Will Smith at No. 4 back in 2023.
The safest pick at No. 2, and consensus is winger Ivar Stenberg, who is already playing against men in the SHL. The Sharks are already loaded with young forwards and in the net.
Could the Sharks pick a defenseman at No. 2? The Canucks could look at a center in Caleb Malhotra. The Blackhawks wouldn’t mind Stenberg dropping to No. 4. Defenseman options would be Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff.
With the free agent market looking a little thin – going from Darren Raddysh to John Carlson on the blue line, and Alex Tuch to Anthony Mantha up front. On the trade market, the Dallas Stars may not want to pay RFA Jason Robertson on an extension. Are Robert Thomas (Blues) and Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs) really available? Is Darnell Nurse available (Oilers).
NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, and the San Jose Sharks
Would the Blackhawks look to move up from No. 4 to No. 2? The Sharks also hold the Edmonton Oilers first-round pick.
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