Oilers and Blackhawks emerge as trade partners for a large asset
The Chicago Blackhawks' mandate is to continue the rebuild, and moving on from veteran players could be a solution as the Edmonton Oilers need help.
The Edmonton Oilers are set to make another run in the NHL playoffs, and as runners-up to the Florida Panthers, they need to optimize their lineup.
That would involve upgrading their bottom six, which includes players like Noah Philp, Jeff Skinner, Mattias Janmark, and Corey Perry.
The bottom six is a meager complement to the Oilers' top six, which always features Connor McDavid, RNH, and Leon Draisaitl.
The Blackhawks have some pieces in the lineup that could be a major factor in a deep playoff push for the Oilers.
With the team failing to improve overall and going 2-8-0 in their last ten, we could see the Hawks selling some veteran talent.
Who could the Edmonton Oilers be interested in?
Ryan Donato
Donato has been a reliable forward for the Blackhawks who worked his way up the lineup. He and Bedard lead the Blackhawks in goals this season, as they both have thirteen goals each.
Donato has played 445 NHL games during his career and would come cheap for the Oilers, with a $2 Million AAV cap hit.
While he has scarce playoff experience, he was part of the Kraken team which knocked the Colorado Avalanche out of the playoffs. Donato's played surprisingly well this season, averaging 14:47 TOI and the majority of his points have come at even strength.
«Donato has been a model of consistency in Chicago. He's been impactful and competitive, and someone both coaching staffs in Chicago have relied upon in the midst of a career year. Donato is also relatively inexpensive and could be a quality under-the-radar addition.»
The only reason the Oilers couldn't make him a fit is the fact he doesn't play on the penalty kill, as many of the Oilers' bottom-six players have a regular spot on special teams.
But the pros outweigh the cons, as he's a great defensive forward, plays a gritty game, and can win face-offs. It would be even better if Kyle Davidson could get a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Donato.
Dickinson has turned his game around with the Blackhawks, a story of many of those who have come and gone out of the organization.
This season he's been effective at controlling the ice, as he has a GF% of 5.1, which means he's been better at controlling goals at 5-v-5 compared to his teammates.
While he would fill a need for the Oilers on the penalty kill where he's a regular contributor for the Hawks.
He's shown an improvement in his goals against compared to his last two seasons, as he's at 8.51 goals against per 60 minutes. He would be the one to fill the role Noah Philip is currently in, and if Philip fails his audition, all the Hawks would need to do is retain a percentage of his $4.25 million salary to make the move easier.
The Hawks would benefit from trading their high-performers, and get some prospects and assets out of the deal.
This could continue to grow the youth movement, in the Blackhawks organization and relieve the team of some cap space all the while.
It'll be tough to see Jason Dickinson or Ryan Donato go, but it'll be worth it down the road.
