It’s never too early to think about making trades.
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman certainly agrees, having made his first deal of the season last week by acquiring Filip Hållander less than five games in. That was a relatively minor trade, adding forward depth while easing a logjam on the defensive end.
But could a bigger, more impactful deal be on the table this early in the season? A move that would send shockwaves through the league and bolster an already star-studded Oilers forward group?
Edmonton’s biggest need this season is another top-six forward. Head coach Mike Babcock seems intent on playing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line, and while that has worked so far, it limits what the second line can do. Adding another bona fide top-six player could be the missing piece that helps put this team over the hump.
If Bowman wants to explore a bigger move, he should keep a former Oilers captain on speed dial, as Shawn Horcoff and the Detroit Red Wings could be the perfect trade partner.
Why the Red Wings?
If the Oilers want to trade for a top-six winger, they will need a team that is willing to part with that kind of player.
The Red Wings have had yet another slow start to the season and seem to be careening toward another disappointing season. The fan base has started to sour on management; they have a league-leading 10-year playoff drought and are currently dealing with trade requests from two top players, Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson.
It’s still October, but the Red Wings may be one of the league’s most desperate teams. That is a perfect recipe for the Oilers, who could capitalize on a potential fire sale out of Motor City.
Larkin and Edvinsson are undoubtedly Detroit’s two biggest trade chips right now, but another intriguing name could hit the market: pending UFA forward Alex DeBrincat.
The 28-year-old DeBrincat checks all the boxes for the Oilers as a potential trade target. He’s an elite goalscorer coming off a 41-goal campaign last season, doesn’t break the bank with a $7.8-million cap hit, and has a history with McDavid, having played on a line with him during their OHL days with the Erie Otters.
The Michigan native is set to hit free agency next summer and could be among the top players available if the Red Wings don’t think they can sign him to an extension, which is possible given the team’s recent dysfunction.
DeBrincat has trade protection with a 16-team no-trade list, which could complicate a potential deal if Edmonton is on it. However, given his history with McDavid and the Oilers’ potential to be Stanley Cup contenders, Edmonton could be more appealing than most Canadian cities.
No player may be better suited to play in Edmonton than DeBrincat.
Who could the Oilers trade?
The Oilers would obviously need to cough up something in return to snag a player like DeBrincat.
Usually, a player of his calibre would demand a big haul, but that may not be the case. His status as a pending UFA will work against the Red Wings and significantly lower the asking price. After all, DeBrincat could end up being just a rental who signs elsewhere in free agency.
Detroit, however, won’t be giving him away for nothing and will demand at least a few coveted assets in return. The Oilers aren’t exactly bursting with young talent to offer, but they have a few pieces that could be of interest.
Isaac Howard has struggled to get a chance in Edmonton despite his success in the NCAA and AHL over the past couple of seasons. He was once a highly touted prospect, and at 22, he still has plenty of time to realize his potential. Howard also has a connection to Detroit, hailing from neighbouring Wisconsin and playing for Michigan State University.
The Oilers also hold first-round picks in 2028 and 2029 that should be up for grabs.
Those three assets may not be enough to close a deal, but they should be enough to pique Detroit’s interest if they decide to move on from DeBrincat.
It may be better suited for the trade deadline, but it’s never too early for the Oilers to lay the groundwork for a potential DeBrincat deal.