Edmonton Oilers connected to four under the radar options for the trade deadline
An Oilers analyst has suggested that Edmonton may be shopping for some under the radar depth additions at the trade deadline, and named 4 players in the AHL who could be trade targets.
The Oilers roster is currently stacked when considering the return of
Evander Kane in the playoffs, and if Klingberg turns out to be a top four defenceman again, Edmonton may just only need to make some depth moves.
Analyst names four AHL players who could be trade targets for Oilers
Topi Niemela is a 22 year old skilled right shot defenceman that's been on the wayside in the Leafs organization, and blocked by veteran talent. Mitchell believes Niemela could make a good partner for
Darnell Nurse down the road.
He has a range of skills and is the kind of mobile defender the Oilers would be wise to play as a partner for Darnell Nurse on the second pairing. Niemelä would be a «next year or beyond» option for that role
- Allan Mitchell
Last season was great for Niemela with 39 points in 68 games from the blueline, but this year his production has slowed. If he's available for trade, the Oilers could snag a player with potential away from the Leafs.
Matthew Robertson is another interesting player on the list that has some history with Coach Knoblauch and the city of Edmonton. The 23 year old Edmonton native played for the Oil Kings and for Knoblauch in the Hartford Wolf Pack, and could be leaving the Rangers organization to make his NHL debut.
[Robertson is] having his best year in 2024-25, with his even-strength outscoring totals climbing past 50 percent for the first time. If the Oilers are looking for left-side depth and a player who might be a recall option, Robertson could be an attractive target.
Merkulov and Lambert are two interesting options for skill forwards, but it feels more likely the Oilers continue to address and reshape their blueline.
All being prospects struggling with their current system, these players could be had in trade for a very cheap cost. If the Oilers front office believes any of these players to be worth a late round pick, they could be on their way to Edmonton.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
JANVIER 26 | 268 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers connected to four under the radar options for the trade deadline Do you think the Oilers could pick up a young depth player for the future at this trade deadline? |
Yes | 194 | 72.4 % |
No | 74 | 27.6 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Finnegan Frost Insiders reveal Oilers trade price with Sharks, roster issue holding up announcement |
|
2 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Oilers finalizing trade to acquire San Jose Sharks defenceman |
|
3 hours ago | By Liam McCormick New Oilers forward has hilarious reaction to seeing Edmonton's arena |
|
6 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Major injury update on Evander Kane revealed that will alter Oilers trade deadline plans |
|
8 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Oilers announce two regulars scratched, two players will make team debut vs Montreal Canadiens |
|
11 hours ago | By Finnegan Frost Former Oiler Oscar Klefbom opens up about returning to hockey after career ending injury |
|
21 hours ago | By Finnegan Frost Oilers linked to acquiring punishing defenceman at trade deadline |
|
23 hours ago | By Liam McCormick Insider updates Oilers pursuit of John Gibson, reveals price to acquire Ducks goalie |