The Schedule Squeeze: Oilers Faces Uphill Battle in Acquiring Key Players Due to Packed Schedule
A new report from an NHL insider suggests that trade deadline moves could happen sooner than usual this season, and that may negatively affect the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers are trying to accrue as much cap space as they can daily, which will give them more flexibility as they get further into the season.
However, Utah HC General Manager Bill Armstrong told David Pagnotta of Fourth Period the Four Nations Faceoff may cause teams to make deadline deals earlier in the season.
“Utah GM Bill Armstrong was a guest on our show and suggested trade activity across the NHL could pick up ahead of the 4 Nations Face Off. With a break in the NHL schedule for the tournament, teams may be more inclined to make a move before the event than risk a logjammed buyer’s market”
– David Pagnotta, the Fourth Period
The NHL will break on February 10th for the Four Nations Faceoff, and when they return, there will only be two weeks of play remaining until the trade deadline. It makes sense teams may prefer an earlier deal.
Edmonton Oilers Facing Salary Cap Jam and Less Time to Make a Decision at Trade Deadline
According to PuckPedia, the Edmonton Oilers will have only $1.02M in salary cap space at the trade deadline.
They’re currently carrying an extra forward, which does reduce their daily cap space. This could force a waivers decision soon, potentially with Derek Ryan.
The Oilers want to wait as long as possible to make their move, so if the trade market and Four Nations Faceoff dictates an earlier trade deadline, Edmonton will be at a disadvantage.
Many other teams are pursuing a top four defenceman in trade, and if that’s the Oilers primary need, they better hope another team doesn’t make an early trade to nab their top trade target.
Most recently, insider Bob Stauffer has named Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens as the team’s top trade target.
Hopefully GM Stan Bowmab will be able to grab Matheson or another target before another team swoops in first.
