Rumor: Oilers linked to several Eastern teams in trade talks

The Edmonton Oilers were expected to be in the thick of the playoff race this year after a fantastic 2016-17 season that saw the team make the post-season for the first time since 2006. 

They lost in the second round to the Anaheim Ducks in a thrilling series, and were expected to come out even stronger this season.

They've failed to meet those expectations mid-way through November, sporting an abysmal 6-9-2 record - 2nd worst in the Western conference.

Peter Chiareli has been heavily linked in trade talks as of late, seemingly in order to remedy the issues plaguing this team - which is primarily secondary scoring.

He recently made the trip out to a New Jersey Devils - Florida Panthers matchup.

As of now, we don't have any specific names for those two teams - but it's very likely that he's looking at the Panthers right now as a trade partner, seeing as the Devils sit at the top of their division and aren't in need of what Chiarelli has to offer.

Perhaps Radim Vrbata is Chiarelli's target - the right winger would complement well the skillset of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. He posted 20 goals and 55 points for the Coyotes last season, and is already up to 10 points in 16 games this year. The price to acquire him wouldn't be too high and would fill a need on the Oilers roster.

There's also been talks from the likes of Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman that Chiarelli has interest in Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers. Alex Galchenyuk of the Montreal Canadiens has also been linked to Edmonton. Another interesting name linked to the Oilers is Joshua Ho-Sang from the New York Islanders. 

The Oilers have been one of the most heavily discussed teams in trade rumors as of late - so it's very feasible to believe with the pressure they face to compete this year that a major shift is on the horizon for the struggling team.