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
In an article for the Athletic, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell raised four interesting AHLers who could be on Edmonton's radar as some under the radar additions, and cheap to acquire.
Mitchell named Topi Niemela from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthew Robertson from the New York Rangers, Georgii Merkulov from the Boston Bruins, and Brad Lambert of the Winnipeg Jets.
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.
- 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.
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.
