The Edmonton Oilers have traded Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson to the Ottawa Senators for Roby Jarventie and a 2025 fourth-round pick. While the trade is something of a surprise, the Oilers are busy and still have a number of things to sort out before the season begins, potentially shedding salary and hiring a GM included. The Oilers continue to turnover some prospects, giving themselves a slightly different look with this trade.
Who is Jarventie?
Roby Jarventie was selected 33rd overall in the 2020 draft, and will turn 22-years-old before next season. As far as production goes, Jarventie is the most decorated prospect involved in this trade. Jarventie was thought of as having many physical tools in his draft year, and was quickly brought to the AHL at the end of his post draft season. Since then, Jarventie has become a top producer in the AHL, scoring 20 points in 22 games last season. Jarventie did receive a brief seven-game audition in the NHL, managing one assist.
Meanwhile, the Senators receive two players that president and GM Steve Staios might have some familiarity with from his recent time with the Oilers. Xavier Bourgault was a first-round pick in 2021, with Jake Chiasson picked later that same draft in Round 4. Chiasson started his pro career in the ECHL last season.
change of scenery for Bourgault
Bourgault’s time with the Oilers comes to an end. At certain points, he was thought of quite highly among the Oilers prospects, though there were always some doubters, in particular those who wished the Oilers took Jesper Wallstedt instead, or those who thought that Bourgault’s junior success had more to do with Junior linemate Mavrik Bourque. Bourgault seemed to stagnate in his sophomore AHL season, at least in terms of production, mustering eight goals and 20 points across 50 games for the Bakersfield Condors this past season.
The Sens will hope to unlock a new and improved version of Bourgault, while the Oilers receive a more established AHLer at the very least. While Bourgault’s game is built on tact and smart positioning, Jarventie has a greater power element to his game. There is no guarantee that either player will play in the NHL next season. The Oilers free up a contract spot in the deal, and add a bit of draft capital. It may be shocking to some that the Oilers chose to cut bait on a recent first-round pick, but there is reason to be happy about their return in this deal.
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