Evaluating the Edmonton Oilers’ Trade Deadline Options: Is Plan Zero the Wisest Choice?
In the lead-up to the NHL trade deadline, discussions among hockey insiders, including Bob Stauffer and Frank Servalli, have sparked debates over the potential acquisition of Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals by the Edmonton Oilers. Surprisingly, the suggestion involves parting with a first-round draft pick for Dowd, a 33-year-old player who has never surpassed 25 points in an NHL season. Despite Dowd’s relatively modest performance, Stauffer and Servalli argue that creative negotiations could lead to a deal that sees the Oilers giving up a first-round pick.
Stauffer proposed that, with an additional fourth-round pick, the Washington Capitals might be willing to offset half of Dowd’s salary, reducing his cap hit to $650,000 for the next two years. In this scenario, Stauffer envisions a team being open to surrendering a late first-round pick for Dowd, making it an attractive proposition. Servalli echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Dowd’s potential trade value is not solely based on his skill but is also influenced by the current scarcity of quality center options in the market, coupled with the need for players with term left on manageable contracts.
The article explores the potential reluctance of teams to pursue higher-priced centers like Adam Henrique, even with the possibility of sharing his cap hit. With other notable centers such as Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan already off the market, teams may turn to alternatives like Dowd, Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers. The rationale behind such choices is the desire to secure a center with term left on a contract, seen as a more prudent move compared to paying for a rental player.
The author presents a contrasting view, proposing that the Oilers might benefit more from refraining from major moves in the upcoming weeks. Referred to as “Plan Zero,” the argument suggests that the team should consider maintaining their current roster dynamics, with perhaps only minor adjustments. The reasoning behind this stance lies in the Oilers’ current impressive performance, having won 16 consecutive games. The author emphasizes the cohesion among the players, highlighting the effectiveness of current forwards Derek Ryan, Sam Gagner, and Mattias Janmark.
The article also addresses the desire among some fans and pundits for the Oilers to pursue a Top 6 winger. However, the author argues that with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl anchoring the top two center positions, the team has a wealth of options for filling the winger positions. Players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway, Ryan McLeod, Connor Brown, and Corey Perry offer a variety of choices for the top two lines, leaving room for a solid third and fourth line as well.
The article navigates through the potential trade scenarios for the Edmonton Oilers, weighing the pros and cons of pursuing a deal for Nic Dowd or other centers. The central argument leans towards the merits of maintaining the current team dynamics and avoiding significant alterations during the trade deadline. The author suggests that, given the team’s success and cohesion, staying the course might be the best strategy for the Oilers.
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