As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Edmonton Oilers are on the hunt for some bottom-six scoring depth, and Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues could be a name to watch.
With the Blues struggling this season, Schenn has emerged as a potential trade candidate. Let's dive into how Schenn might fit with the Oilers, the financial implications of such a move, and what it might cost to acquire him.
Schenn's Fit with the Oilers
The Oilers have been grappling with depth scoring issues this season. When Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl aren't on the ice, the team has been outscored significantly during five-on-five play.
Schenn, though not the prolific scorer he once was, could provide a boost to the Oilers’ third line. With 12 goals and 24 points in 57 games this season, Schenn's numbers might not jump off the page, but his experience and faceoff prowess (boasting a 54% win rate this season) make him a valuable asset.
The Cap Hit Challenge
However, bringing Schenn to Edmonton isn't without its hurdles. The Oilers have limited cap space, and Schenn's $6.5 million cap hit presents a significant challenge.
The Blues would likely need to retain a substantial portion of his salary to make a deal feasible. Even with some salary retention, the Oilers would need to juggle their roster and potentially move other pieces, like Andrew Mangiapane, to stay under the cap.
Cost of Acquisition
Acquiring a veteran like Schenn won't come cheap. The Oilers have some promising prospects and future draft picks that could sweeten the deal, but the price must align with Schenn's current value.
While comparisons can be drawn to past trades, such as Nazem Kadri's move to Colorado, each scenario is unique. The Oilers will need to weigh the benefits of adding Schenn against the cost, especially with other trade options available.
In summary, while Brayden Schenn could address some of the Oilers' depth scoring woes, the financial and asset cost might make this trade a tricky proposition. As the deadline approaches, the Oilers will need to carefully consider all angles before pulling the trigger on any deal.