The 2014 Pick

More magic beans?

The Oilers are in a postion where they need to fill a number of holes sooner than later in order to contend for a playoff spot in 2013-14. We’ve heard Craig MacTavish talk about his impatience and the possibilty of trading the 2013 1st round pick for immediate help plus other assets. Something I think is very likely to happen, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the 2014 pick is in play as well.

Let’s assume Edmonton trades this year’s #7. Ideally, they’re looking for someone to compliment Justin Schultz. A guy who can play big minutes, defend, and move/skate the puck out of their zone quickly. Can you say Jay Bouwmeester? Now I get that it’s unlikely he has any desire to play in Edmonton, and it doesn’t make sense to trade the #7 pick for a guy with only one-year remaining on his contract who just got traded for the #22 pick. Would it make sense to trade the Oilers 2014 pick (#14-18 range) if he signed an extention here? That makes a lot more sense to me, but still hardly makes them a lock to make the playoffs.

While I don’t think trading consecutive 1st round picks is a great idea. The Oilers are in a position where they probably have to consider it. They simply won’t improve next year by trading Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff. So, on June 30th, if I’m Craig MacTavish I make a few calls about trading the 2014 pick before dealing this year’s pick. It is risky, just ask any Maple Leafs fan, but that’s how I’d approach fixing the blueline for next year. If the Oilers can get Jay Bouwmeester and Jake Gardiner I like their chances a lot more than using their draft picks and waiting for them to develop.

@NateInVegas