Mike Babcock Pushing For Potential Trade Between Habs and Oilers?

It sounds like the Edmonton Oilers are on the hunt for a new forward to add to their lineup, and one National Hockey League insider seems to believe that search could see the Oilers land at the doorstep of the Montreal Canadiens.

Babcock's Influence Already Being Felt.

On Monday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed his belief that the Oilers were aggressively seeking out a right-shot center, with the desire to find one fueled in no small part by newly appointed head coach Mike Babcock.

"I think Edmonton is looking for a right-shot center," said Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. "I think they've been combing what's available and you know Mike Babcock. He is so minute in his coaching of hockey that he would look at this and say 'We need this.'"

A Potential Fit With Montreal?

Acquiring a player with the season just about to get underway is always going to prove challenging and it will be especially difficult for an Oilers team that doesn't have a great deal of cap flexibility to work with. Despite that however, it sounds like there are some options the Oilers have looked at including one on the other side of the country.

"That's why the Dach rumors have been there," said Friedman. "Stan Bowman has a history with Dach but I also think he's a right shot, guy who could play center."

The knock against Dach has always been his consistency due to injuries and that was once again on display last season when he appeared in just 37 games for the Canadiens over the course of the regular season. Despite the concerns around Dach however it sounds like the Oilers aren't the only team interested which could make this challenging.

What Are The Alternatives?

While Dach might not sound like the most appealing option the Oilers may not have a lot of good alternatives available. Although Friedman did mention one other name, that of another former first round pick who has struggled, it doesn't sound like he believes the Oilers can make it happen.

"I wondered about Shane Wright for Edmonton and I think they poked around but I don't believe that's gonna happen," said Friedman.

Wright hasn't developed into the player many once believed he might become when he was projected to go first overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft before eventually dropping to 4th where he was selected by the Seattle Kraken, but he's also proven to be considerably more durable than Dach. After already dealing away their 2027 first round pick in the Jason Dickinson trade however, the Oilers may simply not be capable of paying the price the Kraken are demanding in return for Wright.