Two Players Oilers May Trade With Canadiens To Help With Offer Sheet Issue
The Edmonton Oilers had their offseason plans ripped out from under them on Tuesday when the St. Louis Blues signed Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets. The deals will force the Oilers to find some salary cap space to match those offers or risk losing them for a couple of draft picks. The Calgary Flames were in a similar situation last year when Kent Hughes acquired Sean Monahan and a first-round pick to fix their cap issues. Hughes then traded Monahan at the deadline to accrue even more assets.
The Oilers have two expiring contracts that would help them get under the salary cap and wouldn’t hamper their team too much. Hughes has made nothing but savvy moves in his time with the Canadiens, and there’s no doubt he’s considering another move like this after today’s events.
Cody Ceci
Cody Ceci has one year remaining on a $3.25 million annual deal. The Oilers would love to get rid of his contract, as he fell out of favor during their 2024 playoff run. He and Darnell Nurse received plenty of criticism as they went into a 3-0 hole against the Florida Panthers and struggled early against the Dallas Stars. It led to Ceci getting healthy scratched for certain games.
Ceci also might want a fresh start in Montreal. Monahan had fell out of favor in Calgary as well but rediscovered his game in Montreal. There is some value for Ceci if he regains form, as he is a right-shot defenseman who can log minutes. Ceci would fetch a hefty return at the trade deadline if the Oilers decided to include him in a trade to the Habs.
Brett Kulak
Kulak is a memorable player for Canadiens fans. He appeared in 13 games during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoff run, and stuck around until the end of the 2022 season. He found a home in Edmonton, appearing in all 82 games for the last two seasons. The Oilers may be reluctant to trade away the value of Kulak’s $2.75 million deal, but the Canadiens may enjoy a reunion.
Ceci is the better fit, as the Canadiens have room for a right-handed defenseman. He is also an easier player to lose for the Oilers. Don’t be surprised if we soon hear some rumors about Hughes kicking the tires in the Oilers’ front office.
