The veteran power forward can now be traded by the Edmonton Oilers. Are they going to? Must they?
The Edmonton Oilers have built a formidable roster around two of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With the dynamic duo leading the charge, the Oilers are perennial Stanley Cup contenders, and the franchise’s direction appears strong as they navigate the current NHL landscape. However, as is often the case in professional sports, building a championship-caliber team involves not just accumulating talent but also making difficult decisions about which players to keep and which to part with.
One of the most intriguing and potentially contentious decisions the Oilers face is whether to trade a veteran power forward who may no longer fit into their long-term plans. This power forward, whose role and future with the team has become a topic of ongoing debate, could now be moved as the Oilers approach a crucial moment in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
So, the question arises: Are the Edmonton Oilers going to trade this veteran power forward? And must they make this move to solidify their championship aspirations?
Understanding the Situation: Who Is the Veteran Power Forward?
While the identity of the specific player in question will vary depending on who’s being discussed, for the purpose of this discussion, let’s focus on a veteran power forward who fits the profile of someone potentially expendable as the Oilers pursue the ultimate prize.
A veteran power forward, by definition, is typically someone who brings size, physicality, and a presence in front of the net while also contributing offensively. These players are often known for their ability to screen goaltenders, crash the net for rebounds, and provide leadership in the locker room. However, as the game evolves, a power forward’s role can sometimes be diminished, especially if their skill set doesn’t mesh perfectly with a team’s needs or future direction.
For the Edmonton Oilers, a team that relies heavily on speed, skill, and the unparalleled playmaking ability of McDavid and Draisaitl, having a player who might not fit the team’s style can pose challenges. This is particularly relevant in terms of roster composition, salary cap concerns, and maximizing production from all lines. The veteran power forward in question could be a player like Zach Kassian, who has served the team in this role but has seen his production and ice time fluctuate in recent seasons.
The Case for Trading the Veteran Power Forward
- Changing Team Dynamics and Strategy
The modern NHL is fast and skilled, with a growing emphasis on speed and offensive creativity. The Oilers’ two best players, McDavid and Draisaitl, are among the fastest and most skilled in the game, and their line of thinking is often about setting up high-octane offense rather than grinding it out physically in the corners.
As such, the presence of a veteran power forward who doesn’t contribute significantly to these fast-paced and high-skill strategies may not be as essential to the team’s success. Players like Kassian and others who specialize in physicality but do not provide consistent scoring or playmaking may not align with the Oilers’ preferred style of play. It’s a situation that could lead to the conclusion that trading such a player would help further optimize the roster around McDavid and Draisaitl.
The Oilers have been known to lean heavily on their top offensive stars, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane also contributing significantly in recent seasons. Given this, Edmonton might find that their forward group is overloaded with role players who can fill similar niches. A veteran power forward who struggles to fit in with the team’s overall direction might simply be a redundancy, and trading him could open up space for a more versatile player.
- Salary Cap Flexibility
Salary cap management is one of the most critical aspects of building a sustainable roster in the NHL, and the Oilers have several high-salary players on their roster. McDavid’s $12.5 million per year and Draisaitl’s $8.5 million come with their own set of challenges in terms of roster construction. The Oilers have to manage the cap efficiently to fill out the rest of the team with players who provide depth, two-way capability, and defensive stability.
A veteran power forward like Kassian, who has a salary of approximately $3.2 million per season, could become expendable for the Oilers. Trading a player like him would free up cap space that could be better used to acquire a player who complements McDavid and Draisaitl in a way that strengthens the team’s overall balance.
Additionally, the Oilers have prospects and younger players who might be ready for increased roles or who could benefit from more opportunities in the NHL. A trade would allow them to open up a spot on the roster, whether for Kailer Yamamoto, Jesse Puljujarvi, or another young player who could bring a different dynamic to the team. Trading a veteran power forward also allows Edmonton to evaluate these younger players in a more prominent role.
- Playoff Performance and Depth
In the playoffs, depth becomes one of the most critical factors in determining whether a team has what it takes to go all the way. Physical players like a veteran power forward can be valuable during postseason play, where grit and hard-nosed play in front of the net are more likely to be rewarded. However, the Oilers have already established themselves as one of the most offensively potent teams in the league, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge.
The addition of players like Evander Kane, who brings a mix of skill and physicality, has allowed the Oilers to improve their balance. If the veteran power forward in question isn’t contributing enough to the team’s playoff depth – either offensively or defensively – his value in the postseason may be diminished.
The Oilers must ask themselves: is this veteran player truly providing the grit and presence necessary to help them win playoff series? If not, trading him for a more balanced or skilled player could be the difference in the long run. Edmonton’s focus must remain on improving every aspect of their roster to ensure that when the games get tougher in the postseason, they are well-rounded and equipped to succeed.
- Potential Return in Trade
Another critical reason for considering a trade is the potential return. With the Oilers still aiming for a Stanley Cup, trading a veteran power forward like Kassian could bring back a valuable asset in terms of draft picks or a player who better fits their current needs. The NHL trade market is often filled with teams looking to bolster their rosters with experienced players, especially those with physicality, leadership, and playoff experience.
If the Oilers can recoup a solid return in terms of draft picks or a younger, faster forward who fits their system, it would be a good move for the team. The potential return can help the Oilers solidify their future, especially if they decide to add assets for a deeper playoff run.
The Case for Keeping the Veteran Power Forward
- Physicality and Leadership
Even in an age where speed and skill are prioritized, the importance of physicality and leadership cannot be understated. A veteran power forward provides a unique presence on the ice – one that can be invaluable, especially when facing teams known for their toughness in the postseason.
Players like Kassian serve as agitators, capable of sparking energy in the lineup when things get tough. His role in protecting McDavid and Draisaitl cannot be overlooked. In the playoffs, where emotions often run high, having a player who isn’t afraid to stand up for his teammates can be a valuable asset. Kassian’s physicality and his experience in playoff environments may still provide the Oilers with an edge against more physical opponents.
- Depth and Versatility
Even though the Oilers have depth in other areas, the power forward position is one where they need versatility. Kassian’s ability to play in a top-six or bottom-six role gives the Oilers flexibility when managing their lineup. He can be a reliable presence on the ice when the team needs to bring more size and muscle to the fore.
- Chemistry with the Top Players
Chemistry is one of those intangible elements that can be hard to measure but incredibly important. Kassian’s on-ice chemistry with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has often been a key part of the Oilers’ offensive strategy. The Oilers have experimented with different line combinations, and Kassian has been a useful piece on the top line at times, offering a physical complement to McDavid’s speed and Draisaitl’s playmaking.
Keeping Kassian could help maintain that chemistry, which might otherwise take time to develop with a new player. Stability, especially with key lines, can help in the long term.
