3 Top 6 Trades – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have many areas they would like to improve this offseason. First and foremost is goaltending, as they will need a solid option for Tristan Jarry’s tandem. In addition, the green line will certainly benefit from an upgrade or two.

The problem is that the Oilers don’t have a ton of cap space, which will limit what areas they can improve on. From the sounds of things, they may be looking to address their issues up front, as they desperately need a top-six scorer.

Last Wednesday, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer wrote in the X that the team needs to target the top six in a trade. He also pointed out that this player may be someone who may go out with their organization. Given that it’s coming from Stauffer, it’s safe to assume that this is something the Oilers brass are focusing on as they begin their first season.

The reason Stauffer talked about pointing ahead with a trade is that this year’s free agent class was sold out. There are very few top-six picks available, and a few will likely be in line for overpaying, something the Oilers can’t afford to do. That being said, here are the top three players and six players they could look to bring in.

Jordan Kyrou

Following Stauffer’s tweet, Oilers fans immediately started talking about Jordan Kyrou. The highly talented 28-year-old is expected to be sold by St. He struggled in 2025-26 with 18 goals and 46 points, but has recorded 70 or more points in three seasons so far.

Kyrou has a full no-trade clause, though it sounds like he would be willing to waive it for a better fit. One would think that the Oilers fall into that category as they will be contenders for the Stanley Cup next season. The biggest issue from Edmonton’s end could come down to the salary cap.

Kyrou has five seasons left on his $8.125 million contract. Any kind of move for Kyrou will have to involve Matt Savoie, although he alone won’t be enough. The Oilers’ 2028 first-round pick will undoubtedly have to be included as well. It’s a big price to pay, and one the Blues may not even be willing to accept. Still, it’s worth looking at GM Stan Bowman.

Jake DeBrusk

After a disastrous 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Canucks are entering a full rebuild. As a result, Jake DeBrusk’s name has been heavily discussed as a potential trade candidate. You may recall that the Oilers were considered a potential destination for the 29-year-old as a free agent in 2024. Instead he ended up signing a seven-year deal with the Canucks that carried a $5.5 million cap hit.

Although DeBrusk is far from an offensive producer, he managed to score 20 goals for the fifth time in his career this past season. He certainly would have been eligible to play in the top six in Edmonton, and he wouldn’t have cost as much as Kyrou. In this scenario, the Oilers would likely include Isaac Howard as a major piece that goes the other way.

Alexis Lafreniere

At some point, you’ll have to assume the New York Rangers are moving on from Alexis Lafreniere. The 24-year-old has had his moments, but he hasn’t turned into the superstar many predicted he would be when he was first drafted in 2020.

Although Lafreniere’s work has not taken off as expected, it is still being produced at a good clip. Last season he scored 24 goals and 57 points for a Rangers team that struggled in the 2025-26 campaign. A change of position could allow him to evolve into the player he’s been talking about.

Like Kyrou, the Rangers won’t give Lafreniere away for free. This potential trade scenario would also include Matt Savoie, along with the Oilers’ 2028 first-round pick. That may not be enough, meaning other picks or prospects like Beau Akey will need to be included as well.

Bowman Will Have to Get Creative

Although it won’t be easy, Oilers general manager (GM) Stan Bowman needs to find a way to bring in a top six player who can break the law. The team has once again relied heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and they need another playmaker to help take the pressure off their shoulders. If Bowman fails to do so, it could be another frustrating season ahead for Edmonton.