Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a versatile bottom-six forward and Calle Jarnkrok seems to be the perfect fit.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially selling off assets this season, there is going to be a lot of talk about who should stay and who should go.
One name who has been thrown around in rumors for awhile now is Calle Jarnkrok. The veteran is often scratched although he’s played a bunch given the slew of Maple Leafs injuries this year and with limited time left in the league, he may also want to leave.
Jarnkrok a perfect fit for Edmonton as they seek bottom-six help
And with him reportedly out of the NHL next season, Toronto should do whatever they can to get something back for him, lest they lose him for nothing and luckily — they just might have a dance partner.
According to Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet’s The FAN Hockey Show, news around the Oilers organization is that they are looking to bring in someone who would accept a bottom-six role and be a versatile and flexible player for their playoff push:
They’re definitely going to look for a forward; I’ve heard they feel they need someone who’s willing to accept a 3rd or 4th line role; it’s hard for guys like Andrew Mangiapane to do that.
Jarnkrok would be a great addition for the Oilers given his Swiss Army knife-esque skillset and the fact he is fairly cheap all things considered.
Toronto can’t afford to let any assets walk for free
This also gives Toronto a chance to acquire some decent assets and even if they were to bring in something similar to what Carson Soucy was acquired for, then a third-round pick is a pretty great return.
Jarnkrok has seen his playing time diminish in recent years, and though he was once a key part of the team’s offense and defense; he’s been in a bit of a free-fall.
This season, Jarnkrok has seven points in 32 games, but his defense has slipped with a minus-8 rating, and he’s dealt with injury issues for the past two seasons.
His best season with Toronto came in his debut, where he had 39 points in 73 games (20 goals, 19 assists) with a plus9 and only 14 PIM but since then it’s gotten progressively worse.
Janrkrok is a free agent at the end of the season, and is expected to head to his native Sweden to continue his career so it’s best to get something for him regardless of the return; it’s better than nothing.
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A perfect trade partner for the Leafs may be emerging, and Calle Jarnkrok fits the ask
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