The Edmonton Oilers have been looking for a top-six forward, who plays the right side, ever since Kailer Yamamoto left. To be honest, the Oilers have been searching even before Yamamoto left because he was developing into more of a third line scorer. Now, Edmonton may have finally targeted one who is actually available.
According to Pierre Lebrun on TSN Insider Trading, the Oilers #1 priority right now is the top six position and Vladimir Tarasenko’s name has now come into trade talks with them. Ever since Edmonton lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, talks have picked up in the front office about making moves for a top-six scorer. Jordan Eberle’s name has come up and Jake Guentzel is another player the Oilers are having discussions about. But there is a reason why Tarasenko is the more intriguing option compared to the rest of the forward crop.
What Tarasenko brings to the table
The reason why I think Tarasenko is the best option, at least right now, is because there are variables attached to this for all three players:
- Guentzel is the best option available but his price tag is very expensive in terms of value and salary. He’s also an American born played so it is very unlikely that he will re-sign with the team. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Penguins are also still in the playoff race and they are unlikely to fall out of it based on how they are playing right now. So, there may not even be a chance that he becomes available.
- Eberle is having a bit of an off year as he has only scored nine goals and 19 assists in his 46 games so far. He has played with the Oilers before so it would be a huge reunion with the former Oiler for fans. But Eberle also brings a type of game that the Oilers don’t really need in the top six. Eberle is more of a perimeter scorer. Seattle is also in the playoff race and they haven’t fallen out yet, so he may not even be available.
These variables that I have mentioned are not surrounding Tarasenko. According to reports out of Ottawa, Tarasenko is a good teammate and he really does enjoy playing in Canada. That was a surprise to be honest but it is also a plus for Edmonton. He is having a very good season on a sub par team as he has scored 13 goals and 20 assists in 45 games. Tarasenko is an unrestricted free agent, but since he enjoys playing in Canada, there are chances he may re-sign.
The package it would take to get Tarasenko will not be as big as it would be for Guentzel. According to Pierre Lebrun, Tarasenko would be willing to waive his NTC/NMC clause for a Cup Contender and he does have good stats in the playoffs. Lastly, lets not forget that he has won a Cup in the past with the St. Louis Blues.
Tarasenko is a one shot sniper and he has great hockey IQ. The way he plays the game would complement Leon Draisaitl perfectly. There would be a crasher on their line too with Evander Kane. Yes Tarasenko is getting up there in age, but he brings the experience, skill, and scoring the Oilers are looking for in the playoffs.
Tarasenko would probably be a good fit for the Oilers,he’s a proven scorer depends what he would cost,will Ottawa retain salary for the year,do the Oilers trade someone,$in$out?
Music to my ears..really hope they don’t end up paying an arm an 2 legs for him tho..
In my opinion if the Oilers are serious, they should go after Guentzel.