[Trade] Ekholm (4% retained) + 6th to Oilers for Barrie, Schafer, 2023 1st, and 2024 4th

[btimbit]

Well, for the first time since Larsson, the Oilers actually have a single actual d-man.

Of course they had to move out the only guy on the back end capable of moving the puck forward, which they really rely on for their fast transitions.

Considering their whole system is 'just try to score more, who cares if we give up 5' I'm not sure if this move really suits their team. Like Larsson, I think Eckholm could struggle being literally the only guy defending

Oilers got better on paper but I don't think it moves the needle at all

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Pretty much added a older Adam Larson and more expensive.

Not sure he makes much of an impact.

Would be hilarious if they miss the playoffs and the pick is in the lottery

If there’s no protection on that pick that’s a major gaffe by Holland. If they have another McBroken season they’re not making the playoffs.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by InternationalVillager

Ekholm is a rockstar.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

I think this is a terrible trade. I thought Barrie played a super important role for the Oilers. Ekholm is older and has a lot of mileage on him. Barrie is 12th in the NHL in D points and is the only D who contributes on the PP, which is the Oilers’ differentiating factor.

They also mortgaged their future for the “upgrade”. If Ekholm was the Ekholm of 4-5 years ago, this would worry me.

I agree. I'm surprised to see Barrie moved as he has looked like a pretty solid d-man whenever I've watched the Oilers.

[dammage79]

33 or no, Oilers haven't had a good dman like Ekholm since.....the 80s. I kid. I hate this deal because Ekholm is the exact kind of thing they've needed since the McJesus Era began. It's a good move. I threw up a little posting this.

[soulchoice]

I think this is a good move for the Oilers. It’ll be interesting if he can add some stability to their backend. They are definitely a stronger team as a result, defensively.

[ForeverFlameFan]

They wouldn’t have had to give up Barrie if they weren’t paying buyout money.

Ekholm > Barrie, but they’ll take a hit offensively.

[powderjunkie]

It's not even inconceivable that NAS still makes the playoffs ahead of EDM; 8pts back with 4 games in hand. This would be a delightful outcome.