When a team is losing, there are predictable results. For Edmonton Oilers fans, trade rumours used to be an annual event by mid-winter. We’d talk about veterans from November to the trade deadline, at which point they were sent away with futures. Who can forget hits like “Ryan Smyth to the Islanders” or “Erik Cole we hardly knew ye” and “So long, Dustin Penner”?

• Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 650: “One other name I would throw out there – if Edmonton doesn’t get back into the race, I’m curious what they’re going to do with Nugent-Hopkins.” Source

We know from previous reporting that the Columbus Blue Jackets are a team of interest for the Oilers. Logic dictates CBJ may be a team focused on RNH as a trade target. We know Peter Chiarelli was in Boston Friday watching the Bruins and has been scouting them quite a bit recently (source: Alex Thomas).

if Nuge’s name is out there, that might be an indication the club will deal him in-season should things continue to slide. Perhaps the plan is to sign Patrick Maroon with some of the leftover money and get young, entry-level players for RNH. A young center plus a defender who can help and not break the bank?

What Does it all Mean?

If the Oilers season continues to falter, Peter Chiarelli may look at offloading some of his expensive contracts in anticipation of what will likely be an extremely active summer 2018. Nuge might be at the intersection of what the Oilers are willing to give up and what has value to other NHL teams.

One for one deals have been in fashion for Peter Chiarelli since he arrived. Perhaps we’ll see more than one asset in return for Nugent-Hopkins should it come to pass.

I’m sure Oilers fans would prefer equal or greater value. For me, I don’t think trading Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a good idea, now or in summer. He’s a keeper.