It sounds like a misprint, given what we know about the NHL standings. But the Edmonton Oilers have only one more point than the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Oilers, however, are challenging for the Pacific Division lead, while the Leafs will have a very hard time making the playoffs in the East.
That all makes the Oilers buyers, and the Leafs, potential sellers. Earlier this week, we heard Toronto pending unrestricted free agent Bobby McMann linked to the Oil as a trade target.
The latest report, from insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, says yes, the Oilers are eyeing the Leafs. But not for McMann. There are two other notables on their radar, Pagnotta told Jeff Marek on The Sheet.
Some word out of Edmonton is that leading up to this freeze, they’ve been having some discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs… and it wasn’t Bobby McMann. I know there was a lot of attention and speculation surrounding McMann, but going into the week, I know they hadn’t spoken about (him).
It sounds like maybe it’s Nic Roy, maybe it’s an Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Those are two players I wouldn’t be shocked if they poked around on. I was told by a couple of people that the Oilers and Leafs had conversations leading up to the (Olympic freeze), and that might be something to keep an eye on going out of the break and closer to actual D-day (deadline).
With the Oilers being in the market for some top-four help on the blueline, and a third-line forward with size, these two targets would make sense.
Ekman-Larsson would be Leafs’ top trade asset if they made him available
Ekman-Larsson has had a resurgent season and has been arguably Toronto’s best defenseman. The 34-year-old has a seven-year high 34 points, and he’s been a reliable, stabilizing force in the top-four on Toronto’s blueline. At a $3.5 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, he brings tremendous value. If the Leafs actually made him available, he’d arguably be their top trade asset.
As for Roy, the 6’4″ center has had a mixed season in his first year in Toronto. He’s on target for his lowest goals and points totals in his five years as an NHL regular. His 14:41 average ice-time is also at a career low. Additionally, as the only return from the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade, he’s held up as a disappointment. But he certainly brings the size that Edmonton craves, though not necessarily the speed they usually target. Roy would, however, certainly come at a cheaper price than McMann. The Leafs are looking for a first-round pick in return for their 19-goal pending UFA. Roy has another year to run on his deal at $3M.
Earlier in the week, insider Elliotte Friedman suggested that Edmonton might be interested in another Toronto d-man with a bit of term in Brandon Carlo. He has another season to run on his deal, as well, at a $4.1 million cap hit.
All of those players fared well for themselves when the two teams met in Edmonton this past Tuesday in a 5-2 Leafs win. Talks will undoubtedly continue throughout the two-week Olympic break, which is now underway.
