Oilers Could Be Great Match For Trade Target

EDMONTON – It’s all about who you know.

Like it or not, NHL GMs turn to people they know. Edmonton Oilers fans have seen this happen numerous times throughout Connor McDavid’s career.

As Oilers GM, Peter Chiarelli signed Milan Lucic after drafting him in 2006 with the Boston Bruins. During his tenure, Ken Holland acquired two former Detroit Red Wings – Andreas Athanasiou and Mike Green.

Sometimes, it pays off, and sometimes, it doesn’t.

However, there is one name that has come up in trade conversation that has Stan Bowman written all over it. 

Seth Jones’ name has been out as a trade chip for a while. Nearly every trade board has Jones on it. However, yesterday, some news broke.

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Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Jones is at least open to a trade. He told Pope that he “wants to give himself a chance to win.”

The biggest obstacle to acquiring Jones is his contract. The right-handed defender is in the third year of an eight-year $9.5 million contract, and his deal includes a full no-movement clause for the remainder of his term.

Oilers fans might not like the idea of Jones at $9.5 million, but would the idea of acquiring him at $4.75 make the cost easier to digest? It’s certainly possible.

It’s important to note that the Chicago Blackhawks only have one remaining salary retention spot. If they retain half of Jones’ salary, they won’t be able to use it for any other trades this season.

Jones is having a good year offensively. He has 26 points in 38 games. That production has him on pace for the second-best offensive year in his career. 

He might not be the best defensive player, but he logs many minutes and is a good passer and a great skater. That would be great news if the Oilers acquired him and utilized him on a second-pairing.

And if they can do that at $4.75 million? I’d call that a win. If anyone has an inside track on Jones, it’s Bowman.

It really is all about who you know.

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