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The Edmonton Oilers have formally made their first splash of the season buying and selling for Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm. With that being mentioned, it doesn’t fairly really feel like they’re completed. With just a few days left till the commerce deadline, I believe it’s truthful to say the Oilers can be making at least one more move in an effort to enhance the roster come playoff time.
The Oilers at present sit tied for third within the Pacific Division with the Seattle Kraken via 61 video games and have excessive hopes to win a Stanley Cup this yr. Derek Ryan is somebody I can see the Oilers parting with on the deadline, as his $1.25 million cap hit may be very inexpensive contemplating the function he performs as a bottom-six ahead. With 10 factors and 5 assists for 15 factors via 59 video games this season, he may very well be a really enticing participant for the precise worth or to be included as a sweetener in an even bigger deal.
Calgary Flames
Ryan used to play for the Flames, so a reunion is rarely unimaginable between the 2 sides. They have been struggling to remain afloat this season after a monster offseason, and want to assist themselves out in any approach they’ll. They at present sit fifth within the Pacific Division with 67 factors via 61 video games and will look to bolster their roster with a little bit of veteran assist.
Ryan would doubtless be enjoying the identical function in Calgary as he does right here in Edmonton. As a participant that has been on each side of the battle of Alberta, it’s pretty doubtless he’d be open to re-signing with the Flames after enjoying in the identical space for the previous few seasons, which may make him an much more enticing asset to the Flames.
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A commerce between the 2 sides can be as simple because the Flames buying Ryan in alternate for a fourth-round draft decide. His worth isn’t excessive by himself, so a middle-round choice needs to be sufficient to do the trick.
Seattle Kraken
Another Pacific Division group that would have a look at Ryan is the Seattle Kraken. Their 33-21-6 report is nice sufficient to be tied for third within the division with the Oilers, with 72 factors. The Oilers gained’t try to assist the Kraken out as that’s the group they’ll doubtless need to steal a playoff spot from, however they might make a one-for-one swap that advantages each and retains it even between the 2.
Just just like the Flames, the Kraken can be utilizing Ryan as a bottom-six ahead that may kill penalties and supply a minimal quantity of depth scoring. They have actually struggled as of late and will afford to herald a robust defensive-minded ahead.
A commerce between the 2 sides doubtless sees a one-for-one swap of the Kraken buying Ryan in alternate for Morgan Geekie. The Oilers get to fill out their right-wing depth properly, whereas the Kraken get a veteran ahead that improves their general defensive sport. It doesn’t sound like Geekie goes to be certified by the Kraken on the conclusion of the season, so it is smart for each side to provide their respective gamers alternatives at contemporary begins.
Arizona Coyotes
There remains to be a really small likelihood the Oilers go for Jakob Chychrun after getting the participant they wished in Ekholm. But, within the uncommon likelihood they attempt to make it work, Ryan doubtless leads to the desert as a part of the commerce bundle going again to Arizona.
The Coyotes want to add draft capital, so Ryan alongside a few draft picks and a few stronger gamers in alternate for Chychrun is smart. While it’s pretty unlikely, I believe the Coyotes can be keen to take Ryan as a sweetener so he may assist the youthful gamers as a frontrunner within the dressing room.
The Oilers gained’t get the most important return for Ryan, however shifting him can be useful. He has had a strong season, however I simply don’t see a world the place the group brings him again after his contract is up. Getting some kind of return for him as an alternative of simply letting him stroll is the higher solution to go on this situation.
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