The Edmonton Oilers are home and dry, but the roster is not intact. Injuries and illness have impacted the defense, to the point an emergency recall of Cam Dineen was required in front of tonight’s game. Dineen came over from the Coyotes at the deadline two years ago. If he plays tonight, it’ll be his first NHL appearance since 2021-22.
Dineen is technically the Michael Kesselring return, but that’s unfair to the player. If this situation took place a week from now, Travis Dermott might have been the recall. He has yet to play for the Condors after being reclaimed off waivers.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- On the road to: CAR (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: ANA, MTL, DAL (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: BUF, NJD, NYI, NYR (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: UTA, WPG, SEA, DAL (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: CGY (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected results: 7-5-2, 16 points in 14 games
- March result: 1-0-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 35-21-4, 74 points in 60 games
I have tonight as a win, but the injury/illness combined with ‘first game back at home’ syndrome could be factors. Connor McDavid had his “Mr. Bo-Dangles” brilliance back against Carolina, maybe he has a monster game. It’s well past time for the most brilliant hockey player on the planet.
TRADE DEADLINE
All kinds of goofy going on around the Oilers as the deadline approaches. Everybody has an NMC it seems, and that’s a problem. Even if the Oilers can find a new hockey home for Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson or (unlikely) Jeff Skinner, it would come at an extra asset cost.
This team is loaded for bear, and should be looking at two or even three moves. If trading the NMC’s doesn’t work, then Stan Bowman might have to trade something that isn’t nailed down.
In terms of future value, I would list Evan Bouchard, Matt Savoie, Brett Kulak, Ty Emberson, Vasily Podkolzin, Troy Stecher, Calvin Pickard as players the organization should keep.
What’s left? Well, aside from the three horsemen (Arvidsson, Skinner and Kane), I think the 2026 first-round pick and 2025 picks of value (currently, Nos. 42, 74) will be in play. I suspect Sam O’Reilly is a keeper, the two-way center is Rick Pracey’s first selection as Oilers scouting director. Historically, the Oilers have been patient with those men, and with good reason. Kevin Lowe, Ales Hemsky, Jordan Eberle, Connor McDavid, Dylan Holloway have all turned out well or better over the years.
I like Beau Akey as a possible trade piece, but it’s uncertain how much value he would bring. Same thing for Maxim Berezkin, who is a legit big winger with skill in the KHL. A Euro-savvy NHL general manager might know that Samuel Jonsson is spiking in the Allsvenskan, maybe there’s an option there.
On the subject of Oilers draft picks, Raphael Lavoie is giving off some Jean-Francois Jacques vibes. He’s played in eight games with VGK, and has yet to post any points. Now at 15 NHL games without a crooked boxcar number, the ghost of JFJ is beginning to stir. Tremble time.
At noon today, we will be on the air on Sports 1440. Lowdown’s feature guest will be Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic, and we’ll talk trade deadline and the news surrounding Kane and Arvidsson. Donovan Paulson joins the party, so expect strong opinions and a general mocking of the Blue Jays. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. We can be heard at sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio, Radioplayer Canada, it’s available post-show on apple and spotify, and we tweet it out on X.
New for The Athletic: Who says no? Evaluating 20 Edmonton Oilers trade proposals, from goalie swaps to Brad Marchand
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6172895/2025/03/04/oilers-trade-proposals-2025/
Per Bruce Curlock
Bruce knows his prospects.
I was really hoping Wanner would pan out, but they acquired Regula who is a better skater and player
The 2nd hurts, not many picks next draft, but it’s said to be a weaker draft
LaChance and Wanner have issues with boots, I’m not sure either have a strong NHL shot
I guess Carlo isn’t coming. Will there be more?
https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1896987091764175112
This changes my view on the trade a bit. Adds a dimension of risk and robs him of a chance to acclimate and develop chemistry. At the very least, I hope they don’t let him walk for nothing in the offseason.
So just to confirm – the biggest piece the Oilers received in exchange for letting Broberg/Holloway walk has been parlayed into … a portion of a multi-pick/player package for Trent Frederic.
I’ll eat my crow if I get proven wrong, but this looks like a horrible move in terms of asset management.
I don’t hate the player but for what the Oilers gave up, and to max out retention when he might not even play until the playoffs, this is a horrible move.
Woof. Pretty steep price for an injured 4th line winger that does not PK.
Max Jones may have a impact. I looked into his numbers over the summer and thought he’d be a good bottom-6 option to replace some of what we lost in Foegele and Holloway. Not the skill, but Jones is pretty fast (above 80th percentile in both top speed and speed bursts) and aggressive.
That seems like a very steep price. Way more than I would consider paying
When he bodyslams Wyatt Johnston in the conference finals you’ll come around.
Hell yeah he’ll take a bunch of penalties but it will feel good to have him punch some faces
Actually, funny thing about hockey, and something a lot of fans don’t know, is the rules for the playoffs are different.
No penalties, but lots of bodyslams and punches…
If he keeps scoring at his current rate he won’t even be in the lineup.
If either of you would like to suggest something better I’m all ears.
Otherwise you can get back to your Kapanen and 2nd round pick (42 overall) effigy’s.
When they trade for McCarron they’ll be pulling off the double powerbomb
Chris Johnston saying there is no indication that Frederick will be healthy to play before the playoffs so he may stay on LTIR for the season.
I don’t see than given what the Oilers paid for double retention.
Why not set some draft picks on fire, we have plenty of them and no one good every gets drafted in the 2nd or 4th round anyways
Don’t mind the trade, like Frederic the player and what he will add, but someone should let Bowman know that the 25% tariffs don’t apply to trades with American NHL teams.
Oilers have also acquired Petr Hauser as part of the BOS/NJ deal.
21 yo, 6’4″, 200+ lb. RW playing in Czechia.
He’s the same shape as Lachance i suppose?
Large man shaped?
What a bonkers day. Goilers!
Wanner and LaChance – wow.
My presumption is they didn’t think they could get LaChance signed.
Wanner had a regression year (being hurt for the last 30 games didn’t help) but was still a solid prospect.
Better get Frederick re-signed for a reasonable extension.
Is he not hurt as well? Is he a unrestricted free agent? What would a reasonable contract be as obviously they targeted him for more than this year?
Frederick at least checks a few boxes:
Fills a hole at 4C
Size and physicality
Can add scoring to the bottom 6
Along with Kane the Oilers will be much tougher in the playoffs.
Frederick is a major upgrade over Ryan / Kapanen who he replaces.
Does Frederic PK?
No.
Frederic rarely plays center, and has a 43% face off win rate. He doesn’t add scoring either, his 1.03 P/60 ranks 16th among Oilers forwards (only Derek Ryan’s 1.02 is worse).
Can’t believe Bowman gave up 4 assets for this guy. This is Chiarelli level stuff.
I don’t think he was acquired to play 4C. His faceoff totals don’t suggest he’s a likely candidate there.
I think he’s being brought in to test drive alongside one of the duo and, failing that, bring some fire to the 3rd line. After seeing how Podkolzin complemented McDrai but lacked finish, they’ve gone out and found a better version. Hope it works out!
a 2nd/4th plus some prospects for a 4C who is truculent and has 8 goals?
Oilers will surely win the cup now
The shocking thing about this is the trade was completed before LT went on the air!!
@frank_seravalli
Trade details:
To Oilers
C Trent Frederic
F Max Jones
To Bruins
2025 STL 2nd Rd Pick
2026 EDM 4th Rd Pick
D Max Wanner
To Devils
Rights to Shane LaChance
(From EDM for retaining 50% on Frederic)
Now that’s tidy. Liked Lachance but those BU guys are hard to sign. Wanner didn’t have the boots, Broberg turns into Frederic for 25% and Jones.
why for 25%? Did Boston also retain?
Ya I’m wrong. Still tidy. Frederic’s full LTIR is available I think at 50% the cost since he’s hurt. Might not play till playoffs which is a huge risk.
I think you did have it right originally. According to the NHLs press release:
Frederic traded from Boston to NJ, retained 50%
Frederic traded from NJ to Edmonton, retained 50%
Thanks. Seravalli’s tweet didn’t have it so it was a fair point. Even better!
Yikes. Is Holland still at the helm?
I get the need for functional toughness, but do Frederic (currently week-to-week with UBI) and Jones move the needle that much?
I’m not surprised Lachance was dealt–maybe he pulled a Marino and intimated he wouldn’t sign with EDM–but that seems like a dear price to deal two picks and two prospects for two bottom-sixers, only one with term.
I assume with Wanner being dealt that Akey is safe, being the lone RHD prospect of note ATM.
Right now, Oilers won’t be picking till round 3 this year.
NAmateurs now number a dozen.
I would hope the Oilers get aggressive in signing CHL/NCAA/Euro FA’s now.
Everything must go! Tampa traded an entire draft for Tanner Jeannot.
Oil fans will love this player. Every blue collar hockey fan will adore his game. The players will likely love him too. The bar is Janmark, Brown, Kap in the bottom 6. He will clear that, even if he’s underperforming.
Someone to fight the Kolesars of the world goes a long way in the dressing room.
giving up the best asset the Oilers received in exchange for the Brolloway offer sheets for a guy who’s biggest positive is “the mouthbreathers will love him and he’s down to facepunch”
Nice!
Please provide your much better trade proposal. All complaints will be pushed into the feedback bin connected to the shredder.
Trent Frederic – centre
2022-2023 17 goals 31 points
2023-2024 18 goals 40 points
2024-2025 8 goals 15 points (on pace for 11-12 goals)
Average corsi, mostly defensive zone starts.
Max Jones- depth throw in
Damn that’s a lot for an underperforming bottom-6 winger rental!
I’m just happy we didn’t bring in a grinder who’s over 30.
Why? Because a 27 year old grinder in the midst of a poor year who is currently injured is any smarter? For 4 assets out?
Weak draft, a 4th in 2026, Shane Lachance who we hope would be a Trent Frederic power forward type (he could even be a Boat!) and Max Wanner who has had a poor year too (and was a 7th rounder). 75% retained. I believe it is smarter, yes.
All of Boston is in a down year but the bar was Janmark, Brown, Podz, and Kapanen who have a combined 21 goals this year. This is an upgrade. I welcome a better, available choice from your end. Or we could sit on our hands?
I can’t wait to see him and Kane go toe to toe with anyone in Vegas’ bottom 6, or Florida.
a 2nd and a 4th is a lot to “upgrade” the bottom 6. Sitting on your hands is probably the better move since you keep your draft picks. Or you can just acquire an older rental who costs less and fills the same niche.
Even if it’s a weak draft, that generally applies to the top end and you can find value in later rounds in every draft.
This is horrible asset management
a grinder over 30 wouldn’t have cost a 2nd and a 4th, so I disagree lol
That’s … horrible.
Tyler Toffoli fetched a 2nd and a 3rd last year (had 26 goals at the time). We gave up about the same in terms of value (if not more) for 15 points of truculence and an AHLer.
Yay bleeding more draft picks for underwhelming truculent rentals
How did that Toffoli trade work out?
That Jets run last year can be best classified as a 5 game sweep.
An INJURED underwhelming truculent rental.
My goodness, if Bowman turns around and pays someone to take Evander Kane I’m done.
Max Jones to the Oilers. (Who is this?)
A 27 year old tweener. He has played 38 games in the AHL this season and 7 in the NHL (0 points). Left shot LW.
Trent Frederic to the Oil!
This guy looks ok. Anyone have anything to say about this guy? I am sorry that I will not hear any more Tarkus updates on LaChance though!
He’s having a down year but both his underlying defensive numbers and his scoring numbers were strong the past two years. More than I’d pay for a guy that’s struggling, but he’s pretty much the embodiment of the player that teams pay a lot for at the deadline.
https://x.com/JFreshHockey/status/1896984246952321353
https://x.com/RonoAnalyst/status/1896985823901536506
He’ll be a hit with the cromagnon section of the Oilers fan base, and has as many goals as Adam Henrique.
woohoo
Any news on the starter tonight? Could Pickard be relieved of his well earned start because of a upcoming trade involving himself.
The Oilers roster/asset management over the last 36 months has been very poor, with Holland’s trade for Ekholm and standing out as the lone major bright spot:
The only thing that’s encouraging is that Stan hasn’t done anything substantial … so far.
The Oilers really do not seem like a well-run organization, and I worry that a ton of pressure to get back to the SCF forces an in-season move that mortgages more of the future for a shot at glory this year.
The more I think about it, the more I would be fine (if not would welcome) a trade deadline where the Oilers stand pat, and keep their powder dry for next year.
… add the Frederic trade to the list.
Trent Frederic has now become the centerpiece of the Brolloway offer sheet compensation package.
Per Tony B:
RDM lineup notes:
• Pickard is tonight’s starter vs. ANA
• Matt Savoie comes in for Jeff Skinner
• Knoblauch expects Ekholm, Kulak & Nurse to be in the lineup. Cam Dineen was called up yesterday on emergency basis but all regular defencemen appear good to go
Coach said it’s more about rewarding the backup for strong play than a slight on Stu.
Sounds like it will be Arvy and Savoie with Drai.
It’s time Viktor!
Podz should be with Savoie & Draisaitl. Not Arvidsson.
Management has no desire for the difficulties that would come if Gibson out duels Skinner.
Pickard knew he was starting this game in early February.
I would believe that to be a complete non-factor, even if Gibson was starting, which is unlikely.
Still working on Jeff Skinner to raise anchor.
Laing is reporting that Skinner is part of the 4th line, along with Kapanen & Perry.
Not what coach said in his verbal this morning.
Laing’s piece was based on practice yesterday, not the coach’s words this morning.
I just can’t wait for this TDL business to be over, so I can exhale.
They missed the boat selling high on Hyman, does he have a NMC? Are the Islanders aware it’s not last season yet?
Skinner gets front row seats watching the two fellas that want his job.
5-3 Oilers, Pickard with the ENG.
A wise man once said: Find good players, keep good players.
Selling high on Hyman suggests that we would be able to see a near future decline that others were not able to see. Selling high, buying low as a way to gain advantage happens less when everyone does their homework more (ie in the current era).
That said, while I think Hyman had a career year last year, I think he is still a very good player, well worth his contract. Especially in the growing cap era.
Oilers need cap space, have to add assets to move out NMC’s.
Hyman is 32, very good player that should fetch a healthy return if in the least cap space that the Oilers so desperately need. He’ll be earning 5.5 per season on a M-NTC to put up middling numbers while riding shot gun to the best player in the game until he’s 36.
Find more good players, move on from some as they age out in order to bring in more good players.
That’s a move for summer of next year when it becomes a M-NTC. It is full right now and the player is still effective. Expecting career highs as the norm is a great way to get angry at effective hockey players.
I’m not expecting anything, I’m just suggesting Hyman could be moved to find cap space.
I’m not angry at Hyman, it’s hilarious to see the assumptions.
I just think that his 5.5 contract is fit to be fine as he ages along a growing cap.
But, I can see the wisdom in what you are trying to say. I still like him here though.
It’s interesting how hard our perspectives swing over a few weeks or a few months. The trade deadline really brings that into focus. Oilers were the best team in the NHL for three months. A few rough outings later, there is a lot of panic in the air. My optimistic side tells me that McD, Bouch and others who are below expected levels will bounce back and crush it by or before playoff time. That same optimistic fellow tells me that Jackson’s signings might be redeemed through the spring. On the other hand, when Elliot Friedman notes the Oilers two big needs are a D man that can play both sides and a forward with size and speed, I can’t help but sigh a long sigh. Player cards up at the Athletic have Bro and Holloway’s value at over $7m each (compared with cap hits of 4+ and 2). Now we are thinking about trading picks to offload players to create cap space to try to replace those guys. Tough pill to swallow. Nonetheless, this is a damn good team with solid odds to win it all. Here comes the cup baby, roster warts be damned!!
At the same time Connor Mcdavid is confident Oiler management will get some added reinforcements at the TDL.
And sigh.
Are those….. geese?
Yes. They are more threatening than Ducks. I wanted an edgier photo. 🙂
The boost this team needs is McDavid and Bouchard returning to historical levels of play. Without that, this team cannot make a run.
Ekholm, Hyman and Nuge – need all three of them to get back to recent levels as well.
Dineen has been a very good Condor. Arguably their best dman last year (paired mainly with Wanner). This year I would say Carrick has been better (and Kemp always a material player – every game) but I think they wanted the leftie given the players at risk of not playing.
Control the game from start to finish.
Execute on chances early, build a 2-3 goal lead, roll the lines and keep structure, McDavid/Drai with 2-3 points each, milk 2 points.
Trigger warning for anti-vaxxers
Why are the Oilers/hockey teams constantly ravaged by the flu? Are players not getting flu shots/ c$&@d boosters??
Its seems like every year the Oilers are wrecked by illness for a month or two.
What on earth are you talking about.
Professional athletes are known to be the second biggest market for seasonal flu shots next to dear Old Granny, unless they happen to be science deny Edmonton Oilers lol
I remember one year there was a shortage of flu shots and the Flames players cut the line in front of some dear old Grannies and they unfortunately succumbed to the flu while the flames missed the playoffs by 2 points …
What??
Anti-vaxxer? That’s a pejorative term that, if one keeps a list of off-limits words for their website, should be near the top.
Besides that, your “arguments” aren’t nearly as dispositive as you seem to think they are.
If I recall (and am open to being corrected by the healthcare professionals who frequent this site), the flu shots only cover the strains that are most likely to infect a population that season, based on data from many areas that were infected by the strains.
That doesn’t mean the flu shot will protect them against all strains though, and hockey players play a sport that requires them to get very close to many people. Plus they are constantly travelling to different cities for most of the year which means lots of exposure to various strains. And it’s flu season where the flu peaks between December and February because that’s typically when it’s coldest, and people are confined indoors with eachother, especially hockey players who can only play in enclosed arenas.
I believe that the 2025 2nd round pick has more value than just another early-mid pick. If STL wants to go mid-range offer sheet hunting this off season, then they need that pick.
Do not trade the pick unless you do a 3-team trade with STL retaining 50% of contract for the player the Oilers are getting.
If any team is going to offer sheet a player this summer, it will be after July 1 which means fhe 2025 draft picks will have already been made. Compensation for offer sheets will be 2026 picks.
Why on earth does Skinner take precedence over Pickard when Skinner constantly screws up entire games with his pathetic play?
Pickard strikes me as a superior goalie.
Could there be less pressure on Pickard. He just comes in every third game and does his best as a backup. Skinner on the other hand has more pressure, greater expectations to perform as a starter and is more under the magnifying glass. I’m not sure how Pickard would handle that, might be too risky to find out.
Pickard has been playing career best hockey as an Oiler, tie that with this being his near last chance as a player on a NHL roster there’s alot of pressure on Pickard simply for his own career. The road is running out, the competition is building and the pressure is mounting.
Both goalies have their own pressure points to deal with.
If the pressure is too much to perform for Skinner I suggest he recalibrates his aim to be a backup in a quiet non traditional hockey market.
Well, he looks awfully comfortable playing as Skinner’s backup. I wonder how things might look if the roles were reversed. Skinner is a young NHL starting goaltender, and Pickard is an older journeyman professional goaltender. There’s a difference.
Dude wins game 7 on the road against Van, outduels Oettinger, including a double OT game, 2 goals in game 5 and game 6. Game 6 where the Oil had basically 2 shots on net. Helps drag the boys to game 7 in the final including playing out of his mind in game 5 and he’s pathetic.
I’m thinking the poster may be speaking about themself with that hyperbole.
In games 4-7 last year (all rounds) Skinner posted a 10-1 record and a 1.55 GAA.
Pretty crazy how quick some fans are to throw good players out with the trash. Bouchard set an all-time NHL record just 9 months ago and some would discard him like an old shoe too.
Some cheaper depth pieces worth considering:
Oskar Sundqvist
Ryan Suter
Maybe STL wants their draft picks back and a deal can be struck.
Matias Macceli (Utah) is 24, has one more year left at $3.425M, and had 49 and 51 points the past two seasons before dropping off to 52, 8-10-18 this year. If you can swing a 3 way trade with double retention, his cap hit drops to less than $1M.
Seems medium-risk/high-reward – maybe he’s another Yamamoto or maybe he can find chem with one of 97 or 29
If the ability to achieve first place is fading(ed), I hope the Oilers start to look at resting/healthy scratching more guys regularly. I know it isn’t TDL yet, but the goal is SCF, not making the playoffs. And considering how hard KK rode the top 6 last game, that will not be sustainable. Better to find some chemistry/confidence in the bottom part of the roster than to have 97, 29, 18, 2 and 14 completely worn out come April.
Yup, need some NBA-style load management.
And just think, we could wreck the LAK in the first round again!