Oilers target coveted forward with less than 48 hours before deadline

On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers made a splash on the trade market, acquiring Mattias Ekholm from the Predators in a deal that saw a first-round pick, Tyson Barrie and more head to Nashville.

It is now believed that GM Ken Holland is ready to try to boost his forward group ahead of Friday’s deadline as Darren

Dreger and colleague Pierre LeBrun report that Edmonton is considering Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Bjugstad.

Bjugstad was taken out of the Coyotes’ lineup last night for trade-related reasons and could be close to getting traded with less than two days left before the deadline.

The 30-year-old forward has 13 goals and 23 points in 59 games with Arizona this season, marking the first time he’s topped the 10-goal mark since scoring 19 with the Florida Panthers in 2017-18. Bjugstad carries a cap hit of $900,000 this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

However, the Oilers won’t be the only team targeting Bjugstad, who with his low price will be the type of fourth liner contenders will look to add to shore up their depth for the postseason.

LeBrun also points to Tyler Bertuzzi of the Detroit Red Wings if Bjugstad becomes to coveted and pricey for Holland and the Oilers.

The Red Wings are however seeking a first-round pick back in a deal for Bertuzzi. The Oilers traded their top pick in 2023 in the Ekholm deal, but still own their first-round selection in both 2024 and 2025…

Let’s see what Holland can do before Friday…

Recommended articles:

Oilers target coveted forward with less than 48 hours before deadline

Newsletter