Analyst Suggests Oilers Could Fleece Buffalo Sabres in Defenceman Trade This Season
The Edmonton Oilers have been in the market for a defenceman in trade all season, and now one analyst is suggesting one target for a fleecing in the Buffalo Sabres.
The Oilers have been connected to defenceman Henri Jokiharju from the Sabres previously this year, and now the price to acquire him may have plummeted.
According to a new article in the Athhletic by Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell, Jokiharju has fallen out of favour with the Sabres but still shows signs as a productive player.
There's risk (why is a losing team fading him?) but the upside (speed, size, skill) is too much to pass over.
- Alan Mitchell
Additionally, Sabres analyst Matthew Fairburn shared that Jokiharju could be had for very little in trade, which could greatly benefit the Oilers who have few assets.
If Jokiharju has signs of being a good player wasted on a poor team and could be had for very little with the Oilers, there's potential for a trade to quickly look like a fleece.
With increased ice time on a better team like the Oilers, Jokiharju's numbers could soar fast, looking like a steal in value for Edmonton.
Henri Jokiharju Could be Fleece Candidate for Oilers in Tradecwith Buffalo Sabres
Jokiharju is only 25 years old and has already played 357 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres.
The 6'0 right shot defenceman is known for his puck moving ability, but has never put up more than 20 points in a year. Still, he performs well against other team's stars, and has never seen much powerplay time.
If the Oilers make a trade soon enough before the trade deadline, they could evaluate him on their blueline for a time before even making another trade.
At $3.1M in salary for just this year, the Oilers may also have time to sign him to a cheaper, better value contract.
Trading for Jokiharju is an exciting possibility for the Edmonton Oilers. Stan Bowman and the scouting staff are currently evaluating their options, and will pounce on a deal when the time makes sense with the salary cap.
