Reunion with former Oilers first round pick in trade is now off the table

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Liam McCormick
February 12, 2024 (4:27 PM)

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Heading into this year's trade deadline, the Oilers are primarily believed to be interested in adding a top-six forward. The Seattle Kraken began to fall out of playoff contention earlier this year, which made pending free agent Jordan Eberle an attractive trade target. The Oilers were believed to be interested in a reunion with Eberle, but now a new report from Friedman may be shutting down that possibility.

On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Kraken aren't setting their sights on trading Eberle, but instead have shifted to try to re-sign him. Like the Edmonton Oilers, the Kraken pulled their season back to life with a 9 game win streak recently, and now may look to keep the veteran forward who's essential to their offence.

Now 33 years old, Jordan Eberle has proven himself to be a consistent offensive threat every year in the NHL. Drafted in the first round by the Oilers in 2008, Eberle's gone on to play for the Islanders and Kraken, and is basically guaranteed to score 20 goals every year - with some clutch ones too. At $5.5M this season, he's on a manageable contract as well for any team looking to add high-ceiling offence. In 47 games this year, Eberle has 9 goals and 28 points.

It would've been a great story for the Oilers to reunite with Eberle, and he would be able to fit a need for a second line winger, but in reality there's more impactful pieces the Oilers could acquire at the deadline. Jake Guentzel seems to be the prime target, who brings more offensive value than Eberle, who's paid just a bit more in $6M this year.