NHL Rumors: Oilers & Penguins Linked In 1-For-1 Swap

For two teams expected to be competing in the playoff this season, there are some depth issues. The Edmonton Oilers have been dealing with the lack of production by Jesse Puljujarvi since the middle of last season while the Pittsburgh Penguins have had enough of Kasperi Kapanen.

Jonathan Willis of The Athletic suggested that a "change of scenery flip" for the two players. This would not only give each a fresh start after they are both running real low on opportunities on their teams while allowing both teams to have hope in a new player.

Both Puljujarvi and Kapanen have proven they can be effective in their own ways in their young NHL seasons. Last season Puljujarvi spent time on the top line of the Oilers and produced six goals and 13 points in the first 13 games of the season and 10 goals and 23 points in the first 28 games of the season. He fell off significantly and has less points from game 29 of 2021-22 until 20 games into this season.

He has produced just one goal and four points in 20 games in 2022-23 and can't seem to get anything going offensively despite great forechecking abilities and two-way play. Puljujarvi has been tried with many combinations of players and nothing has seemed to get him going with the Oilers.

As for Kapanen, the Penguins have gone so far as to make him a healthy scratch for a few games. He has been slightly more productive offensively, scoring one goal and five points in 13 games, but the coaching staff have not liked what they've seen from him this season. His ice time is down significantly compared to each of the previous four seasons and the former 20-goal scorer definitely needs a new home. With similar cap hits and contracts, a deal could work out.