Elite forward surprisingly hits trading block, Oilers are interested

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Ryan Hall
February 21, 2024 (7:46 PM)

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General manager Ken Holland along with his staff can now add another name that has now emerged as the potential trade candidate for this year's trade deadline.

Moments ago, Darren Dreger was on TSN OverDrive when he dropped a big hint that Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich will be on the move.

If he is now available, this will change the landscape for the forward group who Holland could look at as a possible upgrade. The 28-year-old has had a solid year with the Blues as he has played 53 games, scoring 19 goals with 24 assists and 43 points for a + 8. He is an excellent defensive player while holding a great scoring touch.

Adding his talent to the Oilers lineup would certainly make them a more lethal team offensively while gaining a player who plays great defence. As the rumors continue to swirl that Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a top target for Holland, Buchnevich could give him a similar boost while costing less in prospects and draft picks.

The other advantage he would have term as he holds an additional season at a cap hit of $5.8 million. While some feel this may not work, I feel this gives Holland cost certainty and would give the team a premiere forward at a much lower cost.

It's clear that the options just deepened a little more for the Oilers.