Ideal trade target too expensive for the Oilers
It's no secret that the Edmonton Oilers are looking to make a strategic trade to add a top-4 defenceman come trade deadline, and the cost to acquire their ideal target has been revealed.
Bowen Byram is a young blue-liner who has emerged in the trade rumour mill the past few weeks.
According to the Athletic's Alan Mitchel, he feels that Bowen would be an ideal fit in Oil Country -- but theres a problem.
«Byram would be an exceptional long-term bet.» Unfortunately, he's also the most expensive. The cost of acquiring Byram and the assets needed to make that trade could exclude the Oilers from the running."
-Alan Mitchell
As per Jim Parsons from NHL Trade Talk, The Byram trade is the kind of trade that Edmonton made when they acquired Mattias Ekholm ahead of the 2023 playoffs. At the time, the Predators were feeling the pinch and did a last-minute deal that they likely regret. Edmonton moved Tyson Barrie and prospect Reid Schaefer, along with a first-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-round pick in 2024. It was a huge price to pay, but it worked out incredibly well. Ekh
Byram is younger by a decade. He's cheaper at $3.85 million, and he's a pending RFA under team control. He's got arbitration rights, but if the Oilers and Byram can agree, there is no reason the two sides can't figure out a reasonable extension at the end of the season. If they can get him under contract, Byram is an ideal fit for Edmonton.
-Jim Parsons
POLL |
JANVIER 1 | 361 ANSWERS Ideal trade target too expensive for the Oilers Do you think Bowen Byram would be a good fit in Edmonton? |
Yes | 251 | 69.5 % |
No | 110 | 30.5 % |
List of polls |
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