NHL insider Frank Seravalli proposes Edmonton Oilers mock trade for 6-foot-6 fourth-line center

As the NHL trade deadline approaches and playoff races heat up, teams across the league are scrambling to make key acquisitions to solidify their rosters. For the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has seen considerable success with the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the need for depth and balance in their lineup remains a significant talking point. One area of focus has been the fourth line, where the Oilers have sought to add a player who can bring physicality, faceoff ability, and a strong defensive presence to help balance their scoring-heavy top two lines.

Frank Seravalli, a well-known NHL insider and analyst, recently proposed a mock trade that would see the Oilers acquiring a 6-foot-6 fourth-line center to help address this need. The proposed trade, involving a veteran player who brings size, grit, and depth to a team looking to make a deep playoff run, has sparked significant conversation among Oilers fans and NHL observers. In this article, we’ll break down Seravalli’s trade proposal, the reasoning behind it, and how this hypothetical acquisition could fit into the Oilers’ strategy moving forward.

The Proposed Trade: Breaking Down the Deal

In his mock trade proposal, Frank Seravalli suggested that the Edmonton Oilers acquire a towering fourth-line center with a physical edge: Nicolas Roy of the Vegas Golden Knights. The 6-foot-6 center, who plays with a blend of size, skill, and defensive responsibility, could be the perfect addition to the Oilers’ bottom six as they prepare for the rigors of a playoff run.

The hypothetical deal outlined by Seravalli involves the Oilers sending a combination of assets to the Golden Knights in exchange for Roy’s services. The proposed trade would look something like this:

Edmonton Oilers receive:

• Nicolas Roy, 6-foot-6, 4th-line center (Vegas Golden Knights)

Vegas Golden Knights receive:

• 2025 2nd-round pick
• 2026 4th-round pick
• Prospect (e.g., Dylan Holloway or another young player)

Why Nicolas Roy?

The centerpiece of Seravalli’s trade proposal is Nicolas Roy, a player who has been an underrated asset for the Vegas Golden Knights since joining the team. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing over 220 pounds, Roy possesses a rare combination of size and skill that has made him a reliable bottom-six forward. While he is not necessarily a scoring dynamo, Roy’s ability to win faceoffs, shut down opposing offenses, and provide a physical presence is exactly what the Oilers need to complement their high-octane top-six forwards.

For the Oilers, adding a player like Roy addresses several needs. First and foremost, the Oilers have been looking for a dependable fourth-line center who can take key defensive-zone faceoffs, provide a physical presence, and chip in offensively when needed. As the team gears up for a potential playoff run, adding depth to the bottom six is essential to ensure that the Oilers have the resources to compete with the league’s best teams.

Roy has demonstrated these qualities with the Golden Knights, posting solid defensive metrics and contributing in a variety of situations. Although his point production is not as high as some of the other top players on the team, his contributions on the penalty kill and his ability to wear down opponents with his size and physical play make him a valuable asset. His versatility as a forward who can be deployed on both the wing and as a center adds an additional layer of flexibility for the Oilers.

In the current NHL, where the game is increasingly about speed, skill, and depth, a player like Roy, who brings size and toughness to the mix, could be the difference-maker on a team like the Oilers, who are often criticized for lacking physicality in their bottom six. His presence could free up McDavid and Draisaitl from having to worry about opponents with physical playing styles and give them more room to operate offensively.

What Roy Brings to the Oilers

If the Edmonton Oilers were to acquire Nicolas Roy, here are some of the key aspects of his game that would immediately benefit the team:

1. Size and Physicality

At 6-foot-6 and over 220 pounds, Roy would immediately become one of the biggest players on the Oilers’ roster. His size and strength would be a welcome addition to a team that could use more physicality, particularly in the playoffs where physical play often becomes more prominent. Roy can engage in board battles, clear the front of the net, and win puck battles in corners — something that is especially important on the penalty kill and in defensive-zone situations.

Having Roy on the fourth line would also add a layer of intimidation to the Oilers’ bottom six, allowing the team to gain an advantage in physical matchups against tough opponents. In tight games or during high-pressure situations, Roy’s size and defensive abilities would come in handy, as he can clear the crease and disrupt opposing forwards looking to create havoc in front of the Oilers’ net.

2. Defensive Responsibility

In addition to his physical presence, Roy is known for his defensive play. A key part of his role with the Golden Knights has been shutting down opposing offenses, particularly in the defensive zone. Roy has an excellent ability to win faceoffs, especially in critical defensive situations, and his strong positional play allows him to limit scoring chances against.

For the Oilers, who have been known to sometimes struggle with defensive zone coverage, Roy would provide a stabilizing influence in those moments where the game is tight and the team needs to lock down a lead. Roy’s defensive acumen would make him a key player on the penalty kill, helping to keep the puck out of the net in critical situations. Additionally, his ability to play both center and wing gives the Oilers flexibility in their line combinations, allowing for strategic matchups with opposing teams.

3. Bottom-Six Depth

The Oilers have been seeking to add depth to their bottom-six forwards for years. While McDavid and Draisaitl often carry the load offensively, the Oilers need a third and fourth line that can contribute in all areas of the game, including defense, special teams, and puck possession. Roy would be a perfect fit for the Oilers’ bottom six, as he is a responsible two-way player who can also chip in with occasional offense.

Although Roy is not known for being a prolific goal scorer, he has been able to contribute offensively when given the opportunity. In the 2023-2024 season, Roy recorded 20 points in 68 games, showcasing his ability to be a reliable contributor in the offensive zone when needed. Adding a player like Roy would give the Oilers an added dimension to their fourth line, allowing them to not only play physical but also chip in with key goals during tight games.

The Trade Details: What the Oilers Would Give Up

In exchange for Roy, Seravalli proposed that the Oilers would send a 2025 2nd-round pick, a 2026 4th-round pick, and a prospect (possibly Dylan Holloway) to the Golden Knights. These assets would represent a fair price for a player like Roy, who provides significant value on a team-friendly contract but is not a high-profile star.

The 2nd-Round Pick and 4th-Round Pick

The 2nd-round pick would likely be the most valuable asset in the trade, representing the potential for the Golden Knights to land a high-upside player in the draft. The 4th-round pick would provide additional flexibility for the Golden Knights to improve their roster depth in the future. While the Oilers would be giving up significant future assets, they would be gaining a player who can help them make a playoff push this season and beyond.

Dylan Holloway or Another Prospect

Sending a prospect like Dylan Holloway would be a tough decision for the Oilers, as he’s one of the team’s top young players. However, if the team feels that the addition of Roy would push them over the top in terms of depth and physicality, it could be a sacrifice worth making. Holloway has a bright future, but for a team that is in “win-now” mode with McDavid and Draisaitl, trading a young player for a seasoned, versatile forward like Roy might be a smart move to address immediate needs.

The Impact on the Oilers’ Playoff Push

If the Oilers were to make this trade, Roy would immediately help solidify their fourth line and add another reliable two-way forward to their roster. His defensive abilities, faceoff skills, and physicality would make the Oilers a much tougher team to play against, particularly in the grind of a playoff series.

Additionally, the trade would allow the Oilers to better match up against teams with strong bottom six units or physical power forwards, like the Calgary Flames or the Los Angeles Kings. With Roy in the fold, the Oilers could focus their energy on offense while knowing they have a dependable and large player to handle defensive responsibilities and physical play.

Final Thoughts

As Frank Seravalli’s mock trade proposal suggests, adding Nicolas Roy to the Oilers would be a smart move to bolster their depth and improve their chances of going deep into the playoffs. With size, defensive reliability, and a physical edge, Roy fits well into the Oilers’ lineup and would provide a much-needed boost to their bottom six. While parting with valuable assets like draft picks and a prospect may be a tough pill to swallow, it’s a move that could pay dividends if it helps the Oilers make a successful playoff run. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts will be closely watching whether the Oilers pursue this type of trade to push their roster over the top.