No one in the NHL world is really convinced the Oilers will part ways with uber-talented young winger, Taylor Hall.
But if (keep reading) they were actually persuaded to do so (come on, you've made it this far, why not go a little further...), what team has the necessary firepower to pull off a trade that would both make sense from hockey and financial perspectives and make it appear as if the Oilers came out the clear victors in the deal - something the much media maligned Edmonton team desperately needs?
(You've stuck with me this far, don't you wanna know who it is???)
The Buffalo Sabres! Cue sad whistle noise.
The Sabres (13-17-2) have shown a serious spark in recent days, managing to emerge victorious in seven of their last 10 games. They're still in 8th in the Atlantic though and, good stretch of play notwithstanding, this is a team on the verge of some legitimate changes.
Could the Oilers and Sabres, two organizations without much, if any, postseason hope (or hope of any kind), pack it in and come together on a trade that would resonate across the NHL landscape for seasons to come?
How about a package of Tyler Myers, Michal Neuvirth, Cody Hodgson, the Islanders first-round draft pick and a major prospect for Taylor Hall and Viktor Fasth?
(Bet THAT got your attention).
Now before you go poo-pooing the above deal, check out what Chad DeDominicis of TheFourthPeriod.com, who originally devised the trade, notes about the financial ramifications of said transaction...
"The important thing to remember in any trade is the salary cap. According to capgeek.com, the Oilers have roughly $5 million in cap space. Trading Hall and Fasth would leave the Oilers with around $14 million in cap space. Myers, Neuvirth, and Hodgson would fill $12.25 million of that. The Sabres can retain some of Neuvirth's expiring contract to help the deal."
There, now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk players.
The 24-year-old Myers has been a part of the trade rumor mill since almost the beginning of the season. Since that time, his play has picked up considerably, and he's now seeing big minutes in Buffalo. He would give the Oilers a top d-man with legitimate offensive skill.
The Sabres, with Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Jake McCabe and Mark Pysyk either on the team or in the organization, are well built to withstand the loss of Myers.
Hodgson's story is different. The young winger came into the season with fairly high expectations and has not met them - he's talented but lacks consistency. After recently being a healthy scratch though, the 24-year-old's play has improved and his could simply be a case of a young player needing a change of scenery.
Neuvirth has had himself a decent season (.915 SV%, 3.06 GAA) but is behind Jhonas Enroth in the Buffalo goalie rotation. He might deserve another crack at a starting gig in the league, but look for Edmonton to push hard for Enroth in such a deal.
They're both rumored to be available for the right price.
At the heart of this entire thing lies the Sabres THREE, count them THREE, first-round draft picks. Edmonton would, no doubt, ask for the Sabres' pick, though that's not likely to happen. The Islanders and Blues' picks probably won't be great considering the fantastic seasons each franchise is experiencing, but a first-round pick is a first-round pick.
And as for prospects, Buffalo has a number that could prove enticing to the Oilers, such as Cal Petersen, Brendan Lemieux, Nick Baptiste and Hudson Fasching.
(There! Aren't you glad you made it? No? Well, then I guess our work here is officially done).
