NHL GM Says Trade Deadline Activity Will Happen Sooner Than Usual This Season
Utah Hockey Club General Manager Bill Armstrong has told media that trade deadline moves will happen sooner than usual this season, which may affect the Oilers plans significantly.
The Edmonton Oilers have been following a pattern of roster moves as much as possible this season to accrue cap space, giving them some room to add salary at the deadline.
However, considering the comments from Armstrong, the Oilers may be forced to act sooner than they would like to. NHL insider David Pagnotta shared Armstrong's belief that the Four Nations Faceoff will force teams to make trades earlier this year.
The NHL will take nearly a two week break beginning February 9th while players participate in the Four Nations Faceoff.
The break in schedule has put the NHL on an accelerated pace for the rest of the season, and by the time the Four Nations Faceoff begins, the Oilers will have played 67% of their season.
After that, there's just a handful of games remaining until the March 7th trade deadline. That won't provide much more significant time for teams to evaluate players, so trades could be expedited to before the break.
Trade Deadline Deals May Happen Sooner Than Expected This Season, May Hurt Oilers Plans
If Armstrong is correct with his belief that teams will be more active prior to the break, that may negatively affect the Oilers who would prefer to wait until the deadline to make a trade.
GM Stan Bowman said earlier this season that the Oilers have now evaluated where they want to add in trade, and are evaluating their options.
However, they want to wait until the deadline for accrued cap space and more clarity on Evander Kane's return from injury.
If the Oilers don't act fast while other teams are ready to make deals, they could be left without a dance partner in trade. Hopefully, Bowman can create the necessary cap space.
