Insider Reveals The Cost The Oilers Will Need To Pay To Land Buchnevich

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly setting their sights on bolstering their forward lineup by targeting St. Louis Blues' Pavel Buchnevich, aiming to enhance their already potent offensive capabilities. Insider Jim Matheson has indicated that the Oilers' interest in Buchnevich is serious, with the team having scouted him extensively. The speculated trade package mirrors what Edmonton previously offered for Mattias Ekholm, suggesting the Oilers might be willing to part with prospect Raphael Lavoie, Warren Foegele, and two first-round picks to secure Buchnevich.

Buchnevich's appeal is clear: he's considered the top player available as the trade deadline approaches, thanks to his balanced mix of offensive prowess and defensive reliability, coupled with a sprinkle of physicality. At 28, Buchnevich boasts an impressive career tally of 384 points in 491 games and has continued to impress this season with 22 goals and 46 points over 54 games. His contract, valued at $5.8 million for both the current and upcoming season, makes him an attractive option beyond just a rental, offering the Oilers a strategic advantage for both this year's playoffs and the next.

The potential acquisition of Buchnevich is seen as a strategic move akin to the Oilers' previous addition of Ekholm, promising to significantly impact the team's lineup by enhancing depth and strength across the board. Such a trade is viewed as a critical opportunity for Edmonton to solidify its roster as they push towards a successful playoff run, potentially marking the most significant move of the trade deadline.