If the Edmonton Oilers are going to make a serious push this postseason, they’ll need more than just star power-they’ll need depth. And with the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, all signs point to Edmonton weighing both big swings and smaller, strategic moves to round out their roster.
One name that's quietly surfaced in those conversations? Teddy Blueger.
Now, let’s be clear: Blueger isn’t the kind of acquisition that sets social media on fire. He’s not a top-line scorer or a flashy power-play quarterback. But what he does bring is the kind of steady, playoff-tested presence that can make a real difference when the games tighten up in April and beyond.
Why Blueger Makes Sense for Edmonton
At 31 years old, Blueger is a pending UFA in the final season of a two-year, $3.2 million deal with Vancouver. And while injuries have limited his action this season, he’s made the most of his time on the ice-putting up eight points (five goals, three assists) in just 10 games. That’s solid production for a bottom-six forward, and it speaks to a player who knows how to stay ready and contribute when called upon.
But Blueger’s value goes beyond the scoresheet. He’s a defensively responsible center who plays with grit and intelligence-two qualities that tend to shine in the grind of the postseason.
He’s not going to jump up to your second line in a pinch, and no one’s pretending he will. But as a fourth-line anchor who can kill penalties, win key faceoffs, and chip in offensively?
That’s a role he’s built for.
And let’s not forget the experience factor. Blueger’s been deep into the playoffs before, including a Stanley Cup run with Vegas in 2022-23. That kind of postseason pedigree is exactly what contending teams look for in deadline additions.
The Cost-and the Calculus
The big question, of course, is cost. According to reports, the Canucks are looking for a third-round pick in return for Blueger.
That’s a price Edmonton can afford, with one pick in 2026 and two more in 2028. And if Vancouver is open to retaining salary, Blueger’s $1.8 million cap hit becomes even more manageable-a key factor for a team like the Oilers that’s tight to the cap ceiling.
Tyler Yaremchuk of Oilers Nation echoed a sentiment shared by many around the league: you don’t pay second-round prices for bottom-six players. And he’s right-if you’re giving up that kind of asset, you want someone who can move up and down the lineup.
Blueger isn’t that guy. But for a third-rounder?
That’s a fair ask for a player who can solidify your fourth line and bring a little extra bite to your bottom six.
A Smart, Low-Risk Move
Whether or not Edmonton goes big at the deadline, there’s a compelling case to be made for supplementing the roster with moves around the edges. These are the kinds of additions that often go unnoticed in the moment but pay dividends when the stakes are highest.
Blueger checks a lot of boxes: low acquisition cost, playoff experience, defensive reliability, and the ability to chip in offensively. He won’t be the headline-grabber on deadline day-but if the Oilers are still playing deep into May, don’t be surprised if he’s one of the quiet contributors helping them get there.
In a season where every move matters, this is one that makes a lot of sense-especially if the price stays right.