Winnipeg Jets Trade Options: Finesse the Oilers
Once again, the Edmonton Oilers are going for a dive out of a playoff spot. They could be facing their fifth, first overall pick in nine years. They also have a GM (Peter Chiarelli) who is known for making iffy trades and I think the Winnipeg Jets should and could capitalize off him.
The Edmonton Oilers have had a dreadful season, yet again. It could be their poor play that takes the blame or it could be the front office. Undoubtedly, poor play is a major reason, but I think if your general manager goes out trading top players for a second-third pairing defenseman, you’re not going to benefit.
The Oilers also have a few valuable UFA’s on their hands that might make sense to dish off in exchange for futures like picks and prospects. Those guys include Patrick Maroon, Mark Letestu, and Mike Cammallleri. Also, if you don’t already know, those three are on some of the best cap hits you can find. You have Cammalleri at $1 Million, Maroon at $1.5 Million, and Letestu at $1.8 Million.
Patrick Maroon
Maroon exploded in the end of the 2015/16 season after being traded to Edmonton from Anaheim for next to nothing. He scored 14 points in 16 games and just continued on from there last season and this season. Maroon is one of the best available wingers going into this trade deadline. He has been unreal, however this season isn’t as good as his last with Edmonton faltering. He has 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 57 games. Maroon would make a perfect addition to almost any team’s second line, including the Winnipeg Jets.
If the Winnipeg Jets were to go after Maroon, they’d likely have to part with either a second round pick or Nic Petan and a third/fourth rounder. I don’t think it’s too hefty of a price for a guy who could help advance us for a deep run in the playoffs.
Mike Cammalleri
Mike Cammalleri is one of the most experienced players available this deadline. He would be one of the most experienced playoff players with the Jets, although he hasn’t played a playoff game in years. He has 22 points, and has been playing much better since being sent to Edmonton from LA for Jussi Jokinen.
Cammalleri could make a good winger addition to our fourth line or even our third. He would likely be more useful later down the road if we took a few injuries.
As he’s a 35 year old who is approaching UFA status this summer, I’d say we can get him for anywhere around a 4th-6th round pick, just depending on how hard we negotiate.
Mark Letestu
Mark Letestu is a 33 year old depth forward who Edmonton will likely make available on deadline day. Letestu has 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 59 games. Letestu has a very poor +/-, at -15. It’s understandable knowing he’s on Edmonton.
He is available, however I don’t think the Jets would really benifit to trade for him. Winnipeg hasn’t had a problem with depth, and inserting Letestu would make no difference. He’d be just as good as our other 4th liners, so we’re not really upgrading here with him.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Trade Options: Calgary Flames
What we actually could do with Edmonton
I’m a pretty big fan of Patrick Maroon, so I’d really like to see the Winnipeg Jets make a move for him. Cammalleri could make sense, but I’d rather focus on Maroon. Letestu would literally only make sense if he was packaged up to Winnipeg.