Report: Blackhawks and Oilers talking trade again

Earlier today NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the Edmonton Oilers trade situation during his latest 31 Thoughts column and podcast and linked the Oilers to Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou and Washington Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky.

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The Oilers checked in on Washington’s Andre Burakovsky, but a couple of sources threw cold water on that. They like Detroit’s Andreas Athanasiou, whose speed seems a perfect complement to McDavid, but there’s no guarantee the Red Wings want to do anything and the price would be costly. 

Interesting. Athanasiou is certainly an intriguing target given his pure, blazing speed. If there’s ever a winger who could keep up with Connor McDavid it’s the Red Wings’ 24 year old speedster. Athanasiou has, of course, had some contentious negotiations with Red Wings GM Ken Holland and is slated to hit restricted free agency once again following next season.

As for Burakovsky, his name has been in trade rumors for months now. The big winger has struggled this season, putting up just six goals and 12 points in 44 games. He’s been passed on the team’s depth chart by 22 year old Jakub Vrana and looks to be on the the way out. He’d certainly be a welcomed addition to the Oilers… but, at what cost?

Further to that report, Friedman also confirmed that the Oilers have been negotiating with the Chicago Blackhawks and it’s believed that the Blackhawks are interested in acquiring forward Tobias Rieder.

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There were also rumblings they were talking to Chicago about something bigger and are trying to move Tobias Rieder to open some cap room. Whatever the case, it should be a smooth transition for Keith Gretzky, since he’d be part of the group working on these files.

The 26 year old Rieder has struggled with the Oilers this season, going goalless and putting up just nine assists in 36 games. He’s a two time 30+ point player though and has blazing straight ahead speed. Rieder’s one year, $2 million contract expires this upcoming offseason.