So here we are again. On the eve of yet another NHL Draft Lottery and wondering out loud if the Edmonton Oilers can have lady luck on their side one more time. While they may not be the favourite to come away from tomorrow evening’s extravaganza as a back-to-back winner, hello Connor McDavid, history tends to suggest the Orange and Blue won’t be leaving Saturday’s festivities empty-handed. Another first overall pick may not be cards but don’t be surprised to see this organization walk away with another top-three pick in their back pocket.
After drafting first overall in four of the last six years, it seems as though certain chunks of the Edmonton Oilers fan base have started to lose their collective marbles. How else can one explain the notion that Peter Chiarelli and company should seriously consider trading their first-round pick if they happen to win the 2016 NHL Draft Lottery? While the masses may have had their fill of watching one losing season after another, giving away the chance to add a player as talented as Auston Matthews to this organization would be bordering on insanity.
With the first-round of the NHL post-season nearing its conclusion, the countdown to the start of the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Russia is well under way. While we will see a handful of players who have been bounced from the playoffs be added to Team Canada’s lineup over the coming days, the Edmonton Oilers trio of Taylor Hall, Connor McDavid, and Cam Talbot could prove to be key pieces of the puzzle for head coach Bill Peters and the rest of his coaching staff.
It is no secret the Edmonton Oilers will be looking to give their roster a new look over the coming months. While the organization could go in any number of directions when it comes to addressing their lineup, a potential swap with the Colorado Avalanche could be something worth exploring. With defenceman Tyson Barrie about to receive a massive hike in pay via restricted free agency this summer and Matt Duchene no longer an untouchable piece of the puzzle, Peter Chiarelli would be nuts to not give Joe Sakic a call and talk a little shop leading up to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
