NHL Trade Rumors: Ryan Whitney & Biz float Brayden Schenn to Edmonton Oilers trade amid uncertain future with Blues

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams like the Edmonton Oilers are carefully evaluating their roster and assessing what moves need to be made in order to give themselves the best chance at a Stanley Cup run. While the Oilers have one of the league’s most dynamic offensive units with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others, their depth—especially in the bottom six—remains a key area for improvement. One potential target that has emerged in trade rumors recently is Brayden Schenn, the gritty, veteran forward currently playing for the St. Louis Blues.

Schenn, who has established himself as one of the league’s more reliable two-way forwards, has been a cornerstone for the Blues since he was acquired in 2017. His leadership, defensive play, and ability to contribute offensively have made him one of the team’s most consistent performers. However, with the Blues’ future uncertain and their playoff hopes in jeopardy, Schenn could become a highly sought-after asset in the trade market. For the Edmonton Oilers, a player like Schenn could address many of the team’s needs—adding more toughness, experience, and depth to their bottom six.

In this article, we’ll dive into the possibility of a trade sending Brayden Schenn to the Oilers, the type of package that could make sense, and how Schenn fits into Edmonton’s lineup. We’ll also take a closer look at what Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette (Biz) recently discussed regarding Schenn’s potential fit with the Oilers, and the broader implications of a deal like this one for both teams.

Brayden Schenn: A Strong Addition to the Oilers’ Bottom Six

Brayden Schenn is the kind of player who could have an immediate impact on the Edmonton Oilers, especially in their bottom six. While the Oilers have seen great success at the top of their lineup with superstars McDavid and Draisaitl, their depth—particularly when it comes to the third and fourth lines—has often been an area of concern. Schenn, who can play both center and wing, would give the Oilers more options and balance. He has the ability to take on tough defensive assignments while still contributing offensively.

Why Schenn Would Be a Good Fit for Edmonton

1. Two-Way Play: Schenn is well-regarded for his two-way game. While he isn’t an elite goal-scorer like McDavid or Draisaitl, he’s a highly effective forward who can contribute on both sides of the puck. He’s responsible in his own zone, excels in the faceoff circle, and is able to play in high-pressure situations. The Oilers have been looking to add more players who can contribute at both ends of the ice, and Schenn would be an excellent fit as a defensive-minded forward who still has offensive upside.
2. Physicality and Leadership: Schenn is known for his physical play. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 200 pounds, Schenn brings a gritty, hard-nosed element to the ice. He’s not afraid to engage in battles along the boards, drop the gloves if needed, and protect his teammates. This kind of physicality is something that the Oilers could certainly use, especially as the team prepares for the playoffs, where physicality tends to ramp up. Additionally, Schenn is a veteran with leadership experience, having won a Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019. His leadership qualities would be invaluable in a young locker room full of star players looking to break through and win it all.
3. Flexibility in the Lineup: Schenn’s ability to play both center and wing is another asset that would give Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft more options when constructing his lineup. Schenn could slide into a third-line center role, allowing the Oilers to better balance their lines and provide more support for the team’s star players. Alternatively, Schenn could move to the wing if the Oilers feel it makes more sense for their needs. This versatility is something that makes him an attractive option for teams like Edmonton, who are looking to round out their depth and improve their overall lineup.
4. Special Teams Contribution: While Schenn isn’t a top power-play quarterback, he is an effective penalty killer and has shown the ability to contribute on special teams. The Oilers have had some issues on the penalty kill in recent seasons, and adding someone like Schenn—who has experience killing penalties and playing in shorthanded situations—could be a huge boost for Edmonton. He could help bring stability to their special teams and give them an edge in close games, particularly during the postseason.

The Current State of the St. Louis Blues and Brayden Schenn’s Future

The St. Louis Blues are in a bit of an uncertain situation as they approach the 2025 NHL trade deadline. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, the Blues have had some ups and downs in recent seasons. While they still have key players like Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O’Reilly, the team has struggled to find consistent success and has been out of playoff contention in recent years.

Schenn has long been a steady presence for the Blues, and his leadership on and off the ice has been integral to the team’s success. However, with the Blues in a rebuilding or retooling phase, Schenn’s future in St. Louis could be in question. As a veteran with a reasonable contract and valuable playoff experience, Schenn could be an appealing trade asset for a team like the Oilers that is pushing for a Stanley Cup. While Schenn still has several years left on his contract, his value as a veteran leader on a playoff-bound team is undeniable, and the Blues may look to move him if it brings back assets that help them build for the future.

Given the Blues’ uncertain standing in the standings and the need to evaluate their roster for the future, a trade involving Schenn would make sense if the right offer comes along. Moving Schenn to a contender like Edmonton would allow the Blues to get something of value in return while giving Schenn the chance to compete for another Stanley Cup.

What Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette (Biz) Are Saying About Schenn’s Fit with the Oilers

Recently, former NHL players Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette (Biz) discussed the possibility of Brayden Schenn being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Both Whitney and Biz have vast experience in the NHL and offer insight based on their knowledge of the league and its dynamics. Their discussion about Schenn highlighted a few key reasons why Schenn could be a perfect addition to the Oilers’ roster.

1. Adding Grit and Leadership: Whitney and Biz both emphasized the need for the Oilers to add a player who brings grit, toughness, and leadership to their bottom six. While McDavid and Draisaitl are undoubtedly the team’s offensive stars, the Oilers have been criticized in the past for being too soft at times. Schenn would bring a physical edge to the lineup and would be a great presence in the locker room, especially with a group of players looking to make a deep playoff run. As Biz pointed out, Schenn’s ability to be a leader on and off the ice would help balance the youthful exuberance of the Oilers’ core stars.
2. A Reliable Veteran in the Playoffs: Biz also highlighted Schenn’s experience in the playoffs, specifically referencing his role in the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup win. Schenn’s experience in high-pressure situations would provide the Oilers with a veteran who knows what it takes to win when the stakes are highest. This is something the Oilers have been lacking in recent seasons, and adding a player like Schenn could be exactly what the team needs to make a run at the Cup.
3. A Strong Defensive Forward: Whitney noted that Schenn’s strong two-way game would make him a valuable asset for the Oilers. While Schenn is not a prolific goal-scorer, his ability to contribute defensively and shut down opposing forwards would give the Oilers a strong presence on the ice. Whitney pointed out that Schenn could be the type of player the Oilers need to round out their forward group and give them the defensive depth they lack in high-pressure situations.

What Would the Oilers Have to Give Up to Acquire Schenn?

While the idea of adding Brayden Schenn to the Oilers is an exciting one, the question remains: what would it cost Edmonton to acquire him? The Blues would likely be looking for a package of assets that can help them in the future, particularly in terms of younger players or draft picks.

Given Schenn’s leadership, defensive abilities, and playoff experience, it’s likely that the Oilers would have to part with at least one prospect or a combination of picks and prospects to get a deal done. A package that includes a high-end prospect like Dylan Holloway or Xavier Bourgault, along with a mid-round draft pick or two, could be the starting point for a potential deal. The Oilers also have some cap space to work with, and they could include a salary dump or an expiring contract as part of the deal to make the trade more palatable for the Blues.