NHL Rumors: Bruins and Oilers Emerging as Trade Partners

The Edmonton Oilers continue to work the phones as general manager Ken Holland tries to get creative to upgrade his roster in-season. There's a giant spot light shining on the Oilers goaltending and one deal that could help them tremendously is acquiring netminder Jeremy Swayman from the Boston Bruins.

With Tuukka Rask returning and Linus Ullmark signed to a four-year contract with a no-movement clause, the Bruins need to cash in on their young asset and improve their forward group. One way to do this, a deal with the Oilers that includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins heading to Boston. 

Swayman in a package with defenseman Mike Reilly would likely get Holland's attention as it would provide Edmonton with another solid d-man for their rotation who is signed for two more seasons, and land them a 23-year-old goalie of the future who has shown he's capable of winning NHL games right now. It would however create a giant hole in Edmonton's forward group that would need attention. 

It's not often you see a goaltender put up a 2.25 GAA and a .918 save % and be sent to the minors, but that's exactly what took place in Boston this season once Rask returned from rehabbing his hip. Perhaps they approach Ullmark about waiving his no-movement clause, but at this point it's not likely he would consider waiving it.

As for the Oilers, RNH has been rumored to be offered in the past, and that could certainly take place again before the trade deadline in late March. While he's only scored three times this season, his playmaking skills have been on full display, recording 23 assists in 30 games. Reuniting with Taylor Hall on the Bruins second line would be an interesting story line and give the Bruins more fire power up front so they are not so one-dimensional with their top-line.

Bruins and Oilers, keep an eye on them as they have pieces the other team could significantly benefit from. Two teams that are slowly but surely becoming ideal trade partners before the deadline.

Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports