The Edmonton Oilers are scouting the trade market, but their next transaction may be a minor tweak rather than a blockbuster deal. Injuries have depleted their forward ranks while eight defenders vie for ice time, giving Edmonton a chance to convert defensive depth into forward assistance.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers are considering a “lateral trade — perhaps swapping a defender for a forward.” With Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Matt Savoie, and Mattias Janmark all out, Edmonton requires immediate reinforcement, though Friedman noted that the front office remains calm.
This distinction is important. Edmonton seeks a player who can make an immediate impact and stay valuable once the injured forwards return. The key is identifying which defenseman can be exchanged for a forward without leaving a new gap on the blue line.
Among Ty Emberson, Spencer Stastney, and Shakir Mukhamadullin, Emberson appears to provide the best blend of proven NHL usefulness and positional need. A club looking for a reliable right‑handed defenseman might prize him above Edmonton’s other depth pieces.
This reflects a trade‑value evaluation, not an official asking price. Still, Edmonton’s right‑side depth could serve as a useful bargaining chip, especially for a team with surplus forwards that needs a defender ready to slot into its lineup.
Emberson’s solid outing versus the Seattle Kraken on Saturday strengthened the case for retaining him. He helped Edmonton play a more disciplined defensive game, indicating that trading him solely for the highest return might be unwise.
A lateral swap should enhance the roster as a whole. Swapping a competent defenseman for a replaceable fourth‑line forward may not achieve that. Emberson ought to be considered only if the return offers a distinct improvement in a need the Oilers cannot fill from within.
Stastney May Be Simple to Trade, Yet the Return Might Be Modest
Stastney looks like the most straightforward trade option. With Edmonton’s defense packed, giving every player steady ice time is tough, so shifting a player out of the regular rotation would cause minimal short‑term disruption.
The Oilers obtained Stastney from the Nashville Predators for a third‑round pick last December. That history offers background, but it doesn’t predict what another club would offer now. His present role, the prospective team’s requirements, and other alternatives will shape his market value.
His mobility could attract a club seeking left‑side depth. Yet Stastney may not fetch enough to land a forward who would genuinely upgrade Edmonton’s lineup—this is where the “lateral” label gets tricky. Swapping a spare defenseman for a spare forward could even out the roster, but it wouldn’t necessarily make it stronger. If Edmonton desires a dependable everyday player, it might need to sweeten the deal with an additional asset or part with a more valuable piece.
Mukhamadullin Offers Greater Upside — and Deserves Protection
Mukhamadullin is likely to command a better return than Stastney because his value goes beyond merely plugging a short‑term hole. His size, skating, ability to play either side of the blue line, and upside give another club flexibility and long‑term promise. Edmonton acquired the 24‑year‑old from the San Jose Sharks this summer, representing a recent investment in the defensive future.
A suitor might see Mukhamadullin as a player who can develop into a bigger role, not just stay as depth. That upside could broaden the type of forward Edmonton could receive in exchange. However, it also raises the bar for a deal. Moving Mukhamadullin merely for short‑term injury coverage would forfeit potential long‑term gain to address an immediate need. If he is traded, the forward coming back should be able to contribute meaningfully once the lineup is healthy again.
Which Forwards Match Edmonton’s Needs?
Kirby Dach remains an interesting option, as a right‑handed centre would fill a particular roster gap. Friedman previously linked Edmonton to Dach and noted the Oilers had also looked at Shane Wright, though he questioned whether a Wright trade would materialize. Those past talks do not confirm that either player is part of the current lateral‑trade discussion.
Dach could provide greater upside, but his injury record makes the fit more complex. Edmonton should also avoid assuming that moving Stastney alone would meet the Montreal Canadiens’ asking price.
Mark Kastelic is another speculative name worth considering. His physical presence, right‑handed shot, and ability to play fourth‑line centre could satisfy several Edmonton needs. He would add a distinct element to the bottom six, though no current connection to the Oilers’ trade talks has been confirmed.
Kevin Stenlund could also suit Edmonton’s search for a right‑handed centre. His defensive mindset, penalty‑killing expertise, and faceoff skill would provide a player who stays useful after the injured forwards return. Still, his availability is uncertain, so he should be regarded as a possible fit rather than a confirmed target.
Oilers Should Focus on Long‑Term Roster Value
Edmonton has a decent chance to rebalance its roster, but its defensive depth shouldn’t be seen as expendable. Emberson could yield the best immediate return, Mukhamadullin provides more upside than Stastney, and moving Stastney would likely cause the least disruption.
The correct decision hinges on which forward returns. Any acquisition ought to bolster the bottom six when the squad is healthy, rather than simply plug a temporary hole.