Mock Trade Involving Oilers and Predators

They unloaded Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Alex Galchenyuk, while retaining half of Johansen's $8 million contract.

So, it makes sense to try that method to rid themselves of another contract draining their cap capabilities.

Matt Duchene, whose goal production went from 43 in 2021-22 to just 22 this past season may be headed on his way elsewhere. His contract is still in force until the end of the 2025-26 season with an $8 million cap hit.

Even though the Preds show $19.5 million in current cap space, if they retained half of Duchene's pact they would gain valuable cap room.

And, so who would the Preds trade him for in this mock trade senario? None other than Kailer Yamamoto. It's no secret that Yamamoto may be moved this summer. He holds a $3.1 million contract through the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.

The speedy winger who turns 25 in September could get a better chance to excel on a re-tooling Nashville roster. Still, he added 10 goals, 15 assists in 58 games in McDavid-Land.

He could very will have top-six capabilities and is just looking for an opportunity to perform.

The possible addition of Duchene in Edmonton would give the Oilers a more balanced attack down the middle and take some pressure off of the two stars... Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Now, with the NHL draft in just two days, all kinds of trade scenarios will pop up. Will this one come to fruition?