Rumor: Oilers linked to Red Wings and Capitals in potential deadline deal trades

The Post Peter Chiarelli Era has begun in Edmonton and Oilers fans couldn’t be happier. 

Edmonton Oilers CEO Bob Nicholson confirmed yesterday that the team had relieved Chiarelli of his duties as general manager and that assistant GM Keith Gretzky would assume Chiarelli’s responsibilities on an interim basis. During his press availability, Nicholson made sure to drive home the fact that the team will NOT be selling off future assets like draft picks and young players just to make a playoff push. This likely means that the rumours of putting Jesse Puljujarvi and the team’s 2019 first round pick on the table in trade offers under Chiarelli regime is now likely inaccurate.

Interestingly enough though, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the situation in Edmonton during his latest 31 Thoughts column and podcast and did link the Oilers to a deadline target from the Detroit Red Wings: Andreas Athanasiou. 

Check it out:  

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?