Oilers Rumors: Top-Six Forward A “Fresh Name” On Edmonton’s Radar

The Edmonton Oilers are clearly looking for a big add at the trade deadline. A top-six forward is Priority #1, preferably one who plays the right side. And while some of the usual suspects on the big trade boards have been bandied about over the past couple of weeks, according to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun in The Athletic, a new big-name trade candidate of interest to the Oil has surfaced:  

A fresh name to consider on Edmonton’s radar is Vladimir Tarasenko, the pending unrestricted free agent winger who Ottawa most likely will trade before the March 8 deadline.

One of the interesting things here is that Tarasenko has just changed agents for the second time since the summer, as he continues to try to find the right representation. In the meantime, he does have a full no-trade clause in his one-year deal with the Ottawa Senators, but that shouldn't be an impediment for Edmonton, says LeBrun:

"I believe he would be open to waiving (the NTC) for a team like the Oilers, and my sense is Edmonton has him among their names at least to keep an eye on". 

Tarasenko's name has started to rise near the top of some insider trade boards, and it makes a lot of sense for the Oilers. Playing alongside Leon Draisaitl on the second line, the 32-year-old sniper could be in a great spot to do his thing. He has six 30+ goal seasons in his dozen years in the NHL, as recently as 2022 when he popped 34 along with 82 points in his final full season with the St. Louis Blues. 

Tarasenko is sitting on just 13 goals and 33 points in 45 games thus far in Ottawa, but his supporting cast in Edmonton could take him to another level. 

He also brings a Stanley Cup ring to the party, having scored 11 times in 26 games during the Blues' championship run in 2019.  

Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports