Max pain for the Oilers:
Trading their 2027 pick for help now, and still imploding down the stretch. They are 5 points from a top 10 pick. San Jose owns their 2026 1st round pick, but it is top 12 protected. If the Oilers move their 2027 pick, then the 2026 pick becomes unprotected. Imagine they do that and still crash-out? Doubtful they go all the way into the top 10, but they are a lotto-blessed team! Would be hilarious watching the Oilers hand over a 1st overall - 5th overall pick to them while missing the playoffs, and whispers of a McDavid (and maybe Draisaitl!) trade demand start circulating.
However, that would suck for the Flames. San Jose is already looklng like a powerhouse in the making. 2 firsts this year and 2 seconds, plus a lot of young talented prospects that are still coming up that pipeline. Plus, you can count on the fact that San Jose will be a destination again for UFAs as they once were. I would rather they don't get any more high-end ammo there.
However.. maybe it would be acceptable just to watch the peak pain up north!
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