Edmonton Oilers had trade offer on the table for Pavel Buchnevich

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Liam McCormick
August 16, 2024 (11:52)

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The Edmonton Oilers probably weren't surprised earlier this week when Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues, after new reports revealed they were discussed in trade talks.

On the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that when the Oilers inquired about Pavel Buchnevich at the trade deadline, the Blues wanted Broberg and Holloway in return.

The Oilers don't need any more help on forward anymore, but given the offer sheet signings this situation has played out in the worst possible way. The Oilers may lose at least one if not both RFAs, and if they had made that transaction earlier, they would've had an elite scoring winger like Buchnevich for two playoff runs.

Buchnevich is a 29 year old left winger who's shown great talent and consistent production in his 517 game NHL career. Last season for the Blues, Buchnevich scored 27 goals and 63 points in 80 games. Had the Oilers acquired him, they likely wouldn't have signed Victor Arvidsson. Buchnevich is under contract this season for $5.8M, and has signed an 8 year extension for $8M a year.

The two offer sheets currently out the Oilers $7.2M over the salary cap, which will result in them losing potentially a few players. Reports have surfaced that the Oilers are exploring trades for Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci to match the offer sheets, but Philip Broberg's new salary of $4.5M may just be too much for the team to accommodate. The Oilers have just a few days left to make their decision with the offer sheets, but in retrospect, it may have been best to have Pavel Buchnevich instead.

Source: OilerAlert on X

Friedman reports Oilers were close to deal for Pavel Buchnevich