With the March 6 trade deadline inching closer, the Edmonton Oilers are zeroing in on a clear priority: finding a top-nine forward-whether it’s a center or a winger-to add some punch and depth to their forward group. It’s not about making a splash just for the sake of headlines. It’s about rounding out a roster that’s already in the thick of the playoff race with a piece that can make a real impact come spring.
According to reports, GM Stan Bowman is playing the long game. Rather than jumping at early offers, he’s waiting to see how the market shakes out-especially with a few teams still sitting on the fence between buying and selling. That patience could pay off, especially if some fringe playoff hopefuls fall out of the race and decide to flip key pieces.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams and players Bowman could have his eye on.
Columbus Blue Jackets: A Familiar Trade Partner?
Potential targets: Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment
The Oilers and Blue Jackets have been linked in trade chatter for a while now, and that connection isn’t going away anytime soon. Columbus is still technically in the playoff hunt, but with six teams ahead of them and a seven-point gap to make up, the odds aren’t in their favor. If the Jackets pivot to selling, Edmonton could be ready to pounce.
Boone Jenner and Charlie Coyle are the types of veteran forwards who check a lot of boxes for the Oilers. Both can play center or wing, both are strong defensively, and both have postseason experience.
Jenner’s cap hit ($3.75 million) fits snugly into Edmonton’s books, especially if they move a contract like Andrew Mangiapane’s ($3.6 million). Coyle’s number ($5.25 million) is a bit trickier, but his versatility and playoff pedigree could make the math worth it.
Then there’s Mason Marchment. Just acquired by Columbus a month ago, he’s already being floated as a potential deadline flip.
His $4.5 million cap hit isn’t cheap, but his rugged, skilled game is tailor-made for playoff hockey. Edmonton fans remember him well from last year’s Western Conference Final battles with Dallas-he’s the kind of player who makes life miserable for opponents down low.
Seattle Kraken: A Quiet Wild Card
Potential targets: Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen
Seattle isn’t being talked about much in trade circles, but they should be. The Kraken are clinging to the final wild-card spot in the West, but the margin is razor-thin. Even if they squeak into the playoffs, a first-round matchup with a powerhouse like Colorado could push them toward selling.
That opens the door for Edmonton to circle back on some familiar names.
Jordan Eberle is the obvious one. The former Oiler is still producing at age 35-he’s got 31 points in 47 games-and while a reunion would be sentimental, it’s also practical.
He knows the market, he knows the pressure, and he’s still got the hands to contribute. That said, as Seattle’s captain, he may prefer to stay put.
Jaden Schwartz and Eeli Tolvanen are more realistic targets. Schwartz brings championship experience and a reliable two-way game, while Tolvanen is younger, cheaper ($3.475 million), and owns one of the more underrated shots in the league. Either one would add depth and scoring to Edmonton’s middle six.
A deal for Schwartz would likely require Seattle to retain some salary, but Tolvanen’s contract lines up nicely with Mangiapane’s-again, making the financial side of things a little easier to navigate.
Other Names to Watch
While Columbus and Seattle offer the most intriguing fits, they’re not the only teams to monitor.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to pivot due to injuries or other roster challenges, forwards like Bobby McMann ($1.35 million), Nicolas Roy ($3 million), and Nick Robertson ($1.825 million) could be on the Oilers’ radar. These aren’t blockbuster names, but they’re skilled, affordable, and capable of filling a role in a competitive lineup.
Chicago and Nashville, meanwhile, are hanging around the playoff bubble. But even if they stay in the mix, they could still move pending UFAs to recoup assets. Ilya Mikheyev ($4.75 million) and Michael Bunting ($4.5 million) are two names that stand out-both gritty, playoff-style players who could be had for a more reasonable price compared to some of the bigger fish.
The Bottom Line
The Oilers aren’t looking for a savior-they’re looking for the right fit. A top-nine forward who can elevate their depth, contribute in key moments, and bring the kind of edge that matters in the playoffs. With the market still developing and several teams yet to declare their deadline intentions, patience could be Bowman’s best asset.
But when the time comes, expect Edmonton to be aggressive. They know what’s at stake, and they’ve got a roster that’s built to win now. One more piece might be all it takes.