February 8, 2024 | 8:10pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
OILERS LOOKING TO ADD UP FRONT
Jordan Eberle, forward
The Edmonton Oilers want to add to their forward corps and are hoping to add another offensive winger up front before the March 8 trade deadline.
Oilers GM Ken Holland has already been exploring the defensive market, as TFP has previously reported, but it appears his focus might have shifted to a top-six winger.
During Thursday’s “Insider Trading” segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun reported the Oilers have prioritized adding a “top-six forward” in the coming weeks, ideally to play along side Leon Draisaitl on the team’s second line.
“The idea of a reunion with (Seattle Kraken winger) Jordan Eberle has grown within the Oilers front office if the Kraken fall out of (the playoff race) and he’s a pending unrestricted free agent,” LeBrun said. “(Ottawa Senators forward) Vladimir Tarasenko changed agents for the fourth time in three years last week. He has a full no-trade clause, but I believe he would waive it for a contender like Edmonton. Tarasenko is on the Oilers’ radar.”
Eberle, 33, has registered nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 46 games with the Kraken so far this season. He comes with a $5.5 million salary cap hit and owns a 16-team no-trade list.
LeBrun also noted Detroit Red Wings forwards David Perron and Daniel Sprong could also be targets if the Wings fall out of the playoff race in the East.
TFP has previously reported that Anaheim Ducks forward Adam Henrique is also of interest.
LeBrun’s colleague Darren Dreger reported the Oilers could move one of Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak to help make the financials work, especially if a defenceman is added.
“I think the Oilers are definitely leaning towards adding a forward, but the experience of general manager Ken Holland and the management group of the Oilers are making sure they have all their bases covered,” Dreger said.