IF the Blues were making a push in that direction, I'd be willing to bet it's centered around Elliott/Allen + Shattenkirk/Pietrangelo + Oshie/Backes + Picks
But - I find it hard to believe McDavid ends up in anything but an Oilers sweater come Friday
I echo this sentiment. There is no rush to trade McDavid. It's not like the Oilers don't like the pick. They will entertain offers, but why trade McDavid when you haven't even given RFA and UFA a shot yet. Oilers don't even know where they stand. If the Oilers are able to sign Niemi, Franson, and St. Louis as short term solutions, why give up a long term piece? Heck, throw a RFA offer sheet to Saad, with the compensation as a 2nd.
That makes more sense to me than trading for Phaneuf/Kessel, Oshie/Backes, etc.
It's all about giving the Oiler fans hope, and by winning the lottery, it's done that. Why would the Oilers give that away at this time??
Playoffs aren't even expected next year. All the Oilers have to achieve is get close to the playoffs. And given the draft lottery set up next year, they could fluke out again and get a top 3 prospect.
One of RNH/Draisaitl will have to be traded eventually if McDavid becomes #1C. But Draisaitl can go to the AHL next year to round out his game, so there's no rush.
Plus the Oilers have another 1st (Pit) and 2nd (Mtl). See who drops to them there.
Goalie market is flooded right now. A decent goalie prospect would only cost a 2nd r pick, or just give up money for a UFA vet. Lack, Bernier could be had for a 2nd. Markstrom, Jones for a 3rd. Cam Talbot could probably fetch the most, but won't cost even a late 1st.
The thing the Oilers have to do right now is shed off the bad contracts. Worst case is they wait another year to have more cap to spend. Purcell, Gordon, Nikitin, and Scrivens will be UFA. They'll have to see if they can unload Pouliot.