Oilers Pursue Trade to Reunite with Dylan Holloway and Infuse Youth into Playoff Push
The Edmonton Oilers are in a critical phase as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. With aspirations of deep playoff runs, there are several areas the team seeks to address. A significant priority is ensuring superstar Connor McDavid secures a contract extension, which would provide both him and the team a sense of stability heading into the season.
Strengthening the Roster
Fresh off a trade that brought Connor Ingram into the fold to bolster their goaltending, General Manager Stan Bowman is now eyeing enhancements to the forward group. Recently, the Oilers have been linked to promising Chicago Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel. However, speculation has intensified surrounding a potential reunion with Dylan Holloway, a familiar face who could inject youthful energy into the lineup.
Proposed Trade Details
A trade proposal has surfaced that would see the Oilers acquire Holloway, who was originally drafted 14th overall in 2020. Holloway enjoyed a standout season with the St. Louis Blues, netting 26 goals and accumulating 63 points over 77 games. His average ice time of 16:49 per game reflects his growing importance to the team.
In exchange for Holloway, the Blues would receive several assets, notably Matt Savoie, a 21-year-old forward who was drafted ninth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2022. Savoie showcased his potential in the AHL last season, where he registered 54 points in 66 games. Along with Savoie, the Blues would also gain defenseman Troy Stecher. The 31-year-old, who has seen time with multiple NHL teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, contributed seven points while averaging 13:52 in 66 games last year.
Youth Movement on the Horizon
The Oilers appear keen to infuse their roster with youth, having been linked to several young forwards since the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final. Alongside Holloway and Reichel, there have been connections to Fabien Lysell and Yegor Chinakhov.
In mid-August, a report indicated that the Oilers had engaged in discussions with the Bruins regarding Lysell, as noted by a local YouTube channel. Later in September, news surfaced about Chinakhov, who reportedly expressed trade demands, with the Oilers being one of the interested parties. Most recently, David Pagnotta highlighted the Oilers’ interest in Reichel, stating that they are among several teams monitoring the young forward.
Holloway’s Potential Impact
Holloway’s addition would undoubtedly bolster the Oilers’ offensive capabilities. Had he played for Edmonton last season, his 26 goals would have placed him third on the team alongside McDavid, while his 37 assists would have put him fourth in that category. Additionally, with a cap hit of only $2.29 million for the remainder of the season, he presents a financially viable option for the Oilers as they look to enhance their playoff aspirations.
As the regular season approaches, the Oilers’ pursuit of Holloway and their overall strategy to incorporate younger talent will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The potential impact of these moves could redefine the trajectory of the team as they aim for a deep playoff run.
