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Oilers vs Bruins - 1st In Pacific Up For Grabs |
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We continue to wait on any news of a trade involving the Edmonton Oilers. A top six forward, a second pairing right shot defenseman and depth scoring or a 4th line centre are all options for the Oilers to add. A couple quick rumours that could involve the Oilers
- It's no longer a matter of "if" but "when" Jake Guentzel will be traded. The ask right now is apparently a first, a high end prospect and other prospects or picks. A very high ask, especially considering the forward is injured. If Edmonton takes the plunge and pays that, they won't have much capital left to make another roster move.
- Major shuffling going on in New Jersey with the firing of Lindy Ruff. GM Tom Fitzgerald has gone on the record to say he is not shopping Tyler Toffoli but also made comments regarding "if" the player is around after the deadline. He would be another great add.
- Buchnevich is still on the table but the price is reportedly very high.
- Sam Gagner was sent down today in a move that angers many Oilers fans, especially considering the fourth line actually looked like a threat with him on the ice. It's clearly being done for the cap space but I would certainly have sent down Brown or Janmark over him at this point.
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In other news, suddenly first place in the Pacific Division seems like it could be up for grabs. The Canucks have finally tasted regression and are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. The Oilers sit 9 points back of Vancouver; which seems steep but the Oilers also have 4 games in hand. Winning all four games would put the Oilers a single point behind the Canucks in the same number of games. Obviously in order to do that, the Oilers will have to play well and win those games.
Regardless, there is roughly 20 games remaining in the season; still time for some teams to gain ground or slip. If Edmonton can make some astute deadline adds they may not only secure home ice advantage, but first in the division.
Here's an awful thought. Edmonton finishes first in their division but one of the Stars, Jets, or Avs finish 1st in the Central and with more points... Edmonton would then play the higher of the two Wild Card teams which as of today would be...the LA Kings... again...
Tonight Edmonton starts a four game eastern road trip that begins with the Bruins before playing the Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Penguins again. Their next four games are at home featuring the Capitals, Canadiens, and Sabres, all of which will be selling assets at the deadline (Colorado is in there too).
The roster that plays tonight could look very different even by Thursday's game. I'll update as any more news comes out.
Thanks for reading!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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