Contract talks break down making Jordan Eberle trade very likely

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Liam McCormick
March 7, 2024 (12:40)

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Throughout this year's trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers have been connected primarily to high end top-six forwards. It looks like they may be out on the sweepstakes for Pavel Buchnevich and Jake Guentzel now, but according to Frank Seravalli, the Oilers are making a push to acquire Jordan Eberle.

Eberle was made available for trading earlier this year as a pending free agent, but lately the Kraken have tried to circle back and sign him. According to Seravalli those negotiations have stalled, and now Eberle is back on the market. Judging by the prices from other trades this deadline, it's possible Eberle gets moved for a second round draft pick or less.

It could certainly be an amazing story for Oilers fans to see their former fan favourite first round pick return to the team. Eberle provides quality and consistent secondary scoring, and could be a proficient offensive player on the Oilers second line. The Oilers still have salary cap space after the Henrique and Stetcher trades, and would be able to fit Eberle's $5.5M with retention.

Considering the Henrique trade though, it may be tough for Eberle to fit back into the Oilers lineup. If the team is to make another impact trade before the deadline tomorrow, the best course of action would be to find an upgrade on Cody Ceci for the top four defence pairings. Plenty of insiders say the Oilers aren't done trading yet, so we'll just have to wait and see.