The Edmonton Oilers continue to roll onwards, accumulating a strong record to start the season. As a team with championship aspirations, the speculation around what the Oilers could or should add is always prevalent.
With that in mind, let’s check in on the biggest rumours from the past week.
Any interest in Kucherov?
The league landscape was set ablaze as Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning had a public fallout. Kucherov has stated he will not re-sign with the Lightning, leading to widespread speculation about how the situation might unfold.
Of course, a departure in free agency remains an option, but the potential for a trade is tantalizing. Any team with aspirations of a championship are surely interested, the Oilers no different.
The Lightning have stated that they intend to keep Kucherov, working towards an extension. It might be a smokescreen, and an offer too good to pass on might materialize. The issue for the Oilers is that they will be hard pressed to conjure the best offer. Surely some draft capital would be involved, potentially multiple first-round picks. Matthew Savoie might be a necessary part of the package.
Perhaps Kucherov will reach free agency, where a partnership with the Oilers might be more likely. The cost would undoubtedly be steep, but the chance to add a player of his quality is extremely rare. Ultimately, the Oilers are not among the favourites to land Kucherov, but the possibility remains.
As much as the trade or cap cost might be, the Oilers should be willing to find a way to add Kucherov.
Jake Walman’s play not up to snuff
Although there has been a lot to like about the Oilers start to the season, not everything has gone well. Outside the multitude of key injuries the Oilers have dealt with some disappointing play from Jake Walman. To an extent, this has been the first high profile Oiler to end up in Coach Mike Babcock’s proverbial doghouse.
There is certainly concern about Walman’s play dating back to last season, though injury was part of the equation. The mercurial nature of his career matches his high risk style of play, as well as his overall ability. Walman certainly has the talent to provide a higher level of play, and Babcock is hoping that he is able to do so through some tough love.
Understated in the equation are the contributions elsewhere on the blueline. Ryan Shea has been a revelation, providing stable two way play. Shakir Mukhamadullin has earned some praise from Babcock as well, his size and physicality highlighted. Both left shots have been more steady and stable than Walman, a clear sign of what the coach values in such decisions.
Walman will have the chance to get back in the coach’s good graces, but it could be a sign that Walman is not the best fit in Babcock’s eyes. Walman will become a player that armchair GMs include in mock trades, as his salary could serve as a counterbalance if needed.
In the end, Walman might be forced to move to his weak side on the right. Some believe the Oilers will look to upgrade over Ty Emberson with a puck moving option. Walman does have experience on the right, and has as much skill as any of the rental options that might be available. Perhaps a hockey deal can be made, but the simplest solutions often lie in-house.
Rempe to bring physicality
The Oilers forward depth has been tested to start the season. The team has already been forced to adjust, trading for Filip Hallander. Even still, rumours of adding another depth forward remain prevalent.
There is a thinking that Babcock would like the Oilers to add size to the bottom of his lineup. Even more, it is reported that Babcock thinks quite highly of New York Ranger forward Matt Rempe. The rumours took off from there, as Oil Country pondered the concept of adding Rempe.
Rempe is known for his fighting, one of the league’s most notable heavyweights. He is a physical forechecker, which Babcock clearly values. Seeing as this rumour is not based on the Rangers openness to moving off of Rempe, this should not be read into deeply. Instead, fans should see this as insight into how Oilers forwards can get icetime lower in the lineup.
Ultimately, the hope is that the Oilers depth will not be plagued by injury as much as it has been. The Oilers do not necessarily need to pay a premium to get an enforcer, as Connor Clattenburg is a fan favourite in the AHL. If Rempe is acquired, it will likely be because the Oilers see some dimension beyond fistcuffs in his future. In truth, the Oilers already host a good deal of physicality up front, even despite their injuries.
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