Former Oilers Viktor Arvidsson and Evander Kane Could Be on the Move Again as Trade Deadline Nears
The Edmonton Oilers entered last offseason with a familiar challenge: too much talent and not enough cap space. With Leon Draisaitl’s extension kicking in and new deals looming for both Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard-who was a pending restricted free agent-the front office had to make some tough calls. That meant parting ways with a few key depth pieces and shedding salary wherever possible.
Among the casualties of that cap crunch were Viktor Arvidsson and Evander Kane. Arvidsson was shipped to Boston in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick, while Kane was dealt to Vancouver for a 2025 fourth-rounder-one the Oilers used to select David Lewandowski.
At the time, these moves were all about financial flexibility. Now, just months later, both players could be on the move again-this time from their new teams.
Arvidsson Drawing Interest as Bruins Teeter Between Rebuild and Retool
In Boston, the Bruins are walking a tightrope between staying competitive and laying the groundwork for the future. They’ve made it clear they’re holding onto cornerstone players like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman. But they’ve also shown a willingness to part with veterans, including long-time leader Brad Marchand, in exchange for draft capital and prospects.
That brings us to Viktor Arvidsson. The 32-year-old winger has quietly put together a solid campaign-10 goals and 14 assists through 36 games. He’s not the flashiest name on the market, but he brings playoff pedigree (87 games of postseason experience) and a scoring touch that could help a contender add depth on the wing.
Given his production and experience, Arvidsson could fetch more than the fifth-round pick Boston originally gave up to acquire him. For a Bruins team looking to stockpile assets without gutting its core, that’s the kind of return that makes sense. With the trade deadline creeping closer, Arvidsson’s name is one to watch.
Kane’s Trade Value Complicated by Cap Hit and On-Ice Struggles
Things are a bit more complicated in Vancouver. Evander Kane, the hometown power forward the Canucks brought in just this past offseason, hasn’t delivered the kind of impact they were hoping for. Through 46 games, Kane has managed just seven goals and 14 assists-21 points total-and is tracking toward his least productive season since his rookie year.
At 34, some decline is expected. But what’s made things worse is his defensive play. Kane currently holds one of the worst plus/minus ratings on the team at minus-18, a stat that underscores his struggles in his own zone.
The Canucks have reportedly been trying to find a trade partner for Kane, even exploring the idea of sending him back to Edmonton. But his $5.125 million cap hit remains a significant obstacle. While Vancouver can retain salary to make a deal more palatable, it’s unclear if that’ll be enough to generate serious interest-unless a contender gets desperate before the deadline.
Deadline Looms, Decisions Await
Both Arvidsson and Kane were moved out of Edmonton as part of a necessary cap-clearing maneuver. Now, just months later, they find themselves in very different situations-but both could be on the move again.
Arvidsson offers a combination of veteran savvy and offensive production that could make him a valuable trade chip for the Bruins. Kane, meanwhile, is a tougher sell, but in the right situation-and with salary retained-he could still find a landing spot.
As the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches, the market is beginning to take shape. And for two former Oilers, the next few weeks could bring yet another change of address.