Insider Names Two Best Oilers Defence Trade Targets After Interview With Manager Stan Bowman

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
December 1, 2024 (8:36 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Edmonton Oilers will surely be trading for a defenceman this season, and Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell has named the two best candidates for trade after a recent interview with GM Stan Bowman.

According to Mitchell in a recent article for The Athletic, the best trade targets are Henri Jokiharju from the Buffalo Sabres, and JJ Moser from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Henri Jokiharju is a 25 year old right shot Finnish defenceman that's played 365 career games with the Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks.

Only under contract for this season at $3.1M, the Oilers will be able to fit his contract under their tight salary cap crunch.

According to Mitchell, Jokiharju profiles as a player who can take on elite competition and would mesh well with Darnell Nurse on the second pair.

»His playing style (impressive skater and puck mover, with passing a strength) fits with Darnell Nurse on a possible second pairing, and it's also plausible that Jokiharju could slide up to the top pairing»
- Alan Mitchell

Acquiring a pending UFA at a manageable salary, Jokiharju seems like a very realistic fit for Edmonton based on his contract, play-style, and position.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's JJ Moser may not be publicly available for trade, but Bob Stauffer has said the Oilers could target an off the radar defenceman, and Tampa is deep on the blue line.

The 24 year old Swiss left shot defenceman is in his first season with the Lightning, and mostly playing top pair minutes with Victor Hedman.

According to Mitchell, Moser has taken off with incredible success this year in Tampa, and is worth a look as an option to help Edmonton now and in the future.

»He's flourishing in his first sojourn with a contender. His performance against elites is part of an impressive resume this year.»

Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman recently said that the team will be looking to make its first deal around the Game 40-50 range. The scouting department will be working overtime to make sure who the Oilers trade for is an absolute home run, and really elevates their Stanley Cup Chances.