Report: Patrick Kane is “Plan One” for the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers, not content with rival Calgary Flames taking over the headlines the past 24 hours, are poised to make a big addition according to Sportsnet reporter Gene Principe.

While on 630 CHED talking Oilers with Bob Stauffer yesterday Principe reported that "Patrick Kane is plan one, and Phil Kessel is plan two” for the Oilers. Um... excuse me? Patrick Kane alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? I'll take one season ticket package, please...

Kane, of course, is in the final year of a massive $10.5 million annual contract, along with his good buddy Jonathan Toews, but it's pretty clear that the Chicago Blackhawks won't be competing for the Stanley Cup this season. So... why not move on for another shot at a Stanley Cup? Why not follow in former teammate Duncan Keith's footsteps?

Personally, I'd be so fired up if Kane joined the Oilers. Again, just imagine him on the team's top line alongside McDavid and Draisaitl... just nutty.

Now, as for Kessel... I'm not sure it would be near as good a fit. While Kane is a natural playmaker and puck handler, Kessel is a straight line player with a rocket of a shot. McDavid already has that covered (and then some) on the Oilers. I can't imagine Kessel and McDavid generating much chemistry alongside each other, but if there's anyone who can lift a player up it's McDavid, so maybe I'm way off base. But, from the outside looking in Kane seems like the natural fit.

For what it's worth, the Oilers are currently over the salary cap so they'd need to shed a significant contract or two even if the Blackhawks ate 50% of Kane's contract in a potential trade.