Edmonton Oilers Looking to Add Star Forward by the Deadline

With the trade deadline coming up the Oilers really need to make a splash and acquire a player to really put them over the top. The teams issues appear to mainly be defence and goaltending, but you can outscore the deficiencies if you have a stacked top-nine. If the Oilers can grab a top line forward they will likely have the best top nine in the playoffs, and that can bring them a long way.

Edmonton and St. Louis talking about UFA forward Buchnevich

Rumours around the league are pointing to the Edmonton Oilers have their sights set on making on a big move. That move is reported to be acquiring St. Louis Blues top-line forward Pavel Buchnevich.

Jim Matheson, a long-time Oilers sports writer, says the Oilers have an interest in Buchnevich, which could be in line with the teams big move last season in acquiring Mattias Ekholm.

With Buchnevich a UFA the price will likely not be as high as it was with Ekholm. In saying that, the Oilers would need either a third-party broker for the cap, or for the Blues to retain salary, both of which drives the deal up.

One of the top young forwards in Raphael Lavoie or Dylan Holloway, along with a first-round selection, would likely go the other way. Will Ken Holland pay a big price again?

Buchnevich's season so far has been his usual great play

Buchnevich's points per game is down slightly this season, as he sits at 46 points in 54 games, after being above a point per game in the previous two years. He is still playing just under 20 minutes a night, is on the 1st power play, and also kills penalties.

There are rumours the Blues are looking to trade him instead of re-sign him, while still planning on making the NHL playoffs. The history of the team suggests they have no problem selling off UFAs while going for the playoffs, but it still may make more sense for them to keep him as an "in house" rental rather than move him for futures.

As Read On Hockey Unplugged - The Oilers Are Gearing Up To Acquire Star Forward In Major Blockbuster Trade

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