With the NHL Draft right around the corner and the countdown to free agency on, the NHL offseason is about to kick into gear. This calm before the storm is the perfect time to do one of my favourite traditions: a “my team should trade for that guy” list. The Edmonton Oilers’ second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final ended again in disappointment, and the league’s oldest team on average is going to need some reinforcements on the forward front if they’re looking to three-peat as Western Conference champions.

Let’s explore four possible trade targets for the Oilers at forward, and see how each might fit onto next season’s roster.

Alex Tuch to replace Evander Kane’s slot

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is a possible trade target. I wrote about the Oilers potentially making a move for Tuch at the trade deadline, and although they didn’t, Edmonton might have another opportunity to acquire the winger. The current Sabre forward is on the last year of a $4.75M contract, and Buffalo will need to decide whether they want to re-sign him, or trade him to recoup assets. He had a great year last season, with 36 goals and 31 assists while playing all 82 games. His 6’4″, 214lb frame would also pair well into the Oilers top six, and with Edmonton moving on from Evander Kane, Tuch is a ready-made replacement.

The price for Tuch would also likely not be cheap. The main return for Buffalo’s trade of Jack Eichel, the Sabres would no doubt look to get assets back for a player like Tuch. However, if Edmonton was able to make a move for Tuch in the summer, they may be able to get him for less than around the deadline, when trade prices for players are often at their highest. At age 29, Tuch is on the older end and would require a new contract at the end of next season. However, if he was able to keep up his production as a member of the Oilers, the price would be more than worth it to acquire him. Tuch’s scoring touch and physical game would be a great addition to potentially pair on Leon Draisaitl’s wing.

Source: https://benchrates.com/player/271/alex-tuch/contribution

Would Rickard Rakell be a good fit?

The oldest player on this list, the 32-year-old Rakell is coming off a career year in Pittsburgh. 35 goals and 35 assists in 81 games certainly perks the ears up, especially for an Edmonton team that really missed the scoring ability of Zach Hyman after his injury against Dallas. Rakell profiles as a viable option in the top-six, capable of playing both sides of special teams as well. Pittsburgh didn’t move him at the deadline, but if the Penguins are looking to truly bottom out for a year and chase a high pick in a deep 2026 draft, they would likely be willing to part with an older winger who doesn’t fit their window. Rakell is another shooting winger that on paper, would be a good option for Edmonton to have.

There are some concerns to be had with Rakell, chiefly the fact that he had a career year on the wrong side of 30, and he’s being paid $5M a year for two more seasons. The Oilers aren’t exactly flush with cap space and although it’s expected they’ll be making room for an Evan Bouchard extension and more, Rakell’s AAV may need to be retained by Pittsburgh or a third team if Edmonton wants him to be an Oiler. Rakell is probably the highest risk/reward candidate on this list, as it’s equally possible he succeeds with either McDavid or Draisaitl, or becomes another cautionary tale of acquiring a talented player after they’ve played their best years.

Source: https://benchrates.com/player/198/rickard-rakell/contribution

Lukas Reichel as a cheap trade target

By far the rawest player on this list, the 23-year-old former 17th overall draft pick hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Reichel’s ice-time has decreased each of his three seasons in Chicago, and although he had his best point totals this past season (8 goals, 14 assists in 70 games), it’s very likely Reichel could be had for a cheap price. Although his numbers and fancy stats aren’t pretty, it’s really hard to tell if it’s the player or team. The Blackhawks were terrible last season, and although Reichel wasn’t incredible it’s hard to say how much of it is truly on him. This is a true “buy low” candidate for Edmonton, a chance to bargain hunt and pick up a high draft pick under performing on a bad team (where have we ever seen those kinds of players be valuable?).

Reichel can also be had on the cheap. His $1.2M AAV is very affordable, and if Edmonton believes a change of scenery is all that’s needed to unlock his potential, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a move for him. They bought low on Vasily Podkolzin last summer, a trade that has worked out very well in their favour. Although it’s likely hopeful to suggest Reichel could have a top-six impact like he was touted as a prospect, if he’s able to become a serviceable middle-six option the Oilers would take his speed and youth in the lineup. Reichel could have a chance to become an important contributor on a good team, and if he ends up panning out in Edmonton, the Oilers will have successfully bought low on talent again.

Source: https://benchrates.com/player/862/lukas-reichel/contribution

Another winger for Draisaitl in Jared McCann

Now this one is interesting. Seattle seems to be adrift in the No Man’s Land of the NHL, not bad enough to be a lottery team but not good enough to fight for a playoff spot. The Seattle Kraken need some direction, but if they’re content with floating in the middle, the Oilers should be calling them about Jared McCann. McCann is a player I’ve always liked, a big body who can skate, shoot, and hit. The 29-year-old had another solid year last season, posting 22 goals and 39 assists in 82 games. McCann is a dependable, physical winger at 6’1″ and 185lbs, capable of putting the puck in the net and throwing his body around. Signed for this year and the next at $5M per, his salary is a bit on the higher end, but his age makes him a more viable target for a trade.

Assuming Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman play with McDavid on the first line, McCann profiles as an excellent fit on Draisaitl’s left flank. A former 40-goal scorer, there’s no question he’d be able to rack up points taking passes from one of the best in the game. Seattle’s lack of direction could also aid the Oilers in a possible transaction; their dirth of wingers and recent acquisition of Mason Marchment from Dallas could make a player like McCann expendable in their eyes. Whatever the case may be, I think McCann is the exact kind of player the Oilers should be looking to add up front. A top-six winger who can skate and shoot, as well as throw a check if needed. I would be very interested to see what he would look like in royal blue and orange.

Source: https://benchrates.com/player/745/jared-mccann/contribution

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