{"id":467254,"date":"2026-02-22T20:39:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T20:39:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/467254\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T20:39:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T20:39:24","slug":"scribe-rules-out-obvious-candidates-for-oilers-ahead-of-trade-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/467254\/","title":{"rendered":"Scribe Rules Out “Obvious Candidates” for Oilers Ahead of Trade Deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, the \u201cobvious\u201d candidates for the Edmonton Oilers at this season\u2019s NHL Trade deadline might not be so obvious. Mitchell listed several names in a recent column, calling many of them names insiders and analysts are frequently throwing out in connection with Edmonton not realistic. He ruled out many, one by one.<\/p>\n

Mitchell referced a recent list by Chris Johnston<\/a>: <\/p>\n

\u201cThey include a plethora of right-handed defencemen: Dougie Hamilton<\/a> of the New Jersey Devils, Luke Schenn<\/a> of the Winnipeg Jets, Justin Faulk<\/a> of the St. Louis Blues, Connor Murphy<\/a> of the Chicago Blackhawks, Andrew Peeke<\/a> of the Boston Bruins, Zack Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, John Carlson<\/a> of the Washington Capitals, and Braden Schneider<\/a> of the New York Rangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

First things first, Mitchell says both Hamilton and Carlson own cap hits that make a deal difficult for Edmonton.\u00a0He then notes, \u201cThe asset cost on that [Carlson] trade would be through the roof, and the same goes for Hamilton (although he\u2019s having a less impressive season).\u201d <\/p>\n

When it comes to Faulk, his $7 million cap hit is \u201cprobably a bridge too far\u201d.<\/p>\n

Second, when it comes to Whitecloud, he notes, \u201cthe Flames aren\u2019t going to want to help the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, and Whitecloud should be a productive part of that team\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Third, he ruled out Peeke and Murphy, both of whom aren\u2019t having strong seasons.<\/p>\n

\"DarnellDarnell Nurse Oilers trade rumor<\/p>\n

So What Will the Oilers Do?<\/p>\n

Mitchell mentioned a few names he liked for the Oilers, including Artem Zub<\/a>. That said, he believes the more obvious play will be to have the Oilers look for internal solutions. That could mean switching up the defensive pairings and maybe adding a depth piece that could play alongside Darnell Nurse<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Oilers may benefit from running with Nurse-Bouchard and finding a capable partner for Ekholm,\u201d writes the scribe. He also believes that if the Oilers are going to take a swing, GM Stan Bowman should spend his trade assets on a substantial right-handed defenceman, not worrying about a lower-end piece.<\/p>\n

Next: Top 5 Takeaways: The 2026 Men\u2019s Hockey Tournament at Milano Cortina<\/a> <\/p>\n

\tDiscover more from NHL Trade Talk<\/p>\n

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