Edmonton Oilers Shift Focus from Erik Karlsson to Superstar Forward as Top Trade Target

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Aaron Itovitch
February 22, 2023 (12:44)

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The Edmonton Oilers need to go all-in while they still have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl under contract.

They haven't been able to build a competent core around these players, and it's been holding them back for the better part of a decade. Now, it looks like they are ready to make a big move.

While Erik Karlsson appeared to be the main target, it looks like they have shifted their focus to another superstar.

Oilers in on Patrick Kane

The Oilers are looking to build the best top-six in the league. This won't be easy, with teams like Toronto and Boston being absolutely stacked. While they are thin on defense, the mentality is clearly that offense fuels playoff success.

Thus, it appears they have shifted their focus to Patrick Kane. Kane holds a full NMC, and he will get to choose his destination. With Toronto and New York no longer seeming like options, the Oilers could be a match made in heaven.

Friedman in 32T writes he believes the Oilers have made a pitch for Patrick Kane but it's up to the winger to decide. They want the option of having a strong 2nd line if they put McDavid & Draisaitl together, Kane-RNH-Kane could be interesting.

Apart from the obvious chemistry the two Kanes would have, this would bolster the Oilers forward core and allow them to add talent in their bottom-six with Kailer Yamamoto.

This type of depth will give them the edge over other competitive western conference teams.

The only question is - can Ken Holland pull it off?

We will have to wait and see.