The Edmonton Oilers could look to re-acquire a defenseman and goal a missed draft pick
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun: The Edmonton Oilers should take a look at re-acquiring Buffalo Sabres right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring. He’s been a healthy scratch through the playoffs and his behind Conor Timmins and Logan Stanley. The Sabres even have prospect Radim Mrtka within the pipeline.
Word is Kesselring isn’t a blissful camper, and perhaps the Sabres would move within the offseason for a bottom-six forward. The Oilers sent Kesselring to the Coyotes within the Nick Bjugstad deal on the deadline a number of years ago. The Oilers won’t be the one ones in search of right-handed defensemen.
One other player the Oilers should take a look at is Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa. Under different management, the Oilers desired to draft him in 2021, however the Wings moved up and drafted him. Cossa isn’t starting within the playoffs for Grand Rapids (AHL) and the Wings signed fellow prospect Trey Augustine.
A Trade That Would Help the Oilers, and the Avs Will Have Cap Issues
Now, Cossa has only played one NHL game, but he has 123 AHL games under his belt. Would the Oilers be okay with a Tristan Jarry – Cossa tandem, or another 1B as an option?
The San Jose Sharks and the No. 2 pick
Mark Lazerus of The Athletic: The San Jose Sharks moved from No. 9 to the second overall within the 2026 NHL trade after the draft lottery. They’ll have a top two pick for the third 12 months in a row – Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa. They picked Will Smith at No. 4 back in 2023.
The safest pick at No. 2, and consensus is winger Ivar Stenberg, who’s already playing against men within the SHL. The Sharks are already loaded with young forwards and in the online.
Could the Sharks pick a defenseman at No. 2? The Canucks could take a look at a middle in Caleb Malhotra. The Blackhawks wouldn’t mind Stenberg dropping to No. 4. Defenseman options could be Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff.
With the free agent market looking a bit thin – going from Darren Raddysh to John Carlson on the blue line, and Alex Tuch to Anthony Mantha up front. On the trade market, the Dallas Stars may not need to pay RFA Jason Robertson on an extension. Are Robert Thomas (Blues) and Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs) really available? Is Darnell Nurse available (Oilers).
NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, and the San Jose Sharks
Would the Blackhawks look to maneuver up from No. 4 to No. 2? The Sharks also hold the Edmonton Oilers first-round pick.
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