Breaking News: Oilers’ key player sends strong message concerning rumours and talk as NHL trade deadline approaches
“I wouldn’t be truthful if I said I don’t keep an eye on the trade rumors. Personally, I prefer it when we’re not in a game situation. Last year, a trade happened on game day, acquiring Ekholm, and I can assure you, it’s less stressful when it’s not during a game. It becomes more nerve-wracking, making it harder to focus on playing,” admitted Warren Foegele, winger for the Edmonton Oilers.
With Ken Holland, the Oilers’ general manager, in an aggressive buyer mode, facing the pressure of a win-now situation in the final year of his contract, there’s immense anticipation surrounding what moves he’ll make before Friday’s trade deadline. This anticipation is felt not only by players like Foegele but also by fans and the vocal social media presence in this demanding market.
Foegele, who recently achieved a personal points high, acknowledges his keen interest in observing the incoming and outgoing players despite his own contract situation. His expiring contract, valued at $2.75 million without trade protection, could potentially be part of the trade talks for cap management purposes, despite his value to the team.
The decision regarding Foegele’s future with the team will hinge on the acquisitions Holland makes, especially in terms of forwards, potentially involving a third-party broker to mitigate cap hits.
Reflecting on past trade deadlines, like in 2020 when popular forward Sam Gagner was moved, Foegele recognizes the necessity of making financial adjustments to accommodate new players. However, not all moves yield the desired results, as evidenced by the acquisition of Andreas Athanasiou, which ultimately fell short of expectations.
Looking ahead, there’s speculation about potential blockbuster deals, such as acquiring Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins or Pavel Buchnevich from the St. Louis Blues, both of which would require significant cap management and likely involve complex negotiations due to the players’ contracts and respective teams’ interests.
More realistic options
Potential acquisitions like Ottawa’s Vladimir Tarasenko or Seattle’s Jordan Eberle, both unrestricted free agents this summer, could provide a more realistic option. Additionally, if the New Jersey Devils decide to sell and offer Tyler Toffoli, he would be a strong addition.
As for Foegele, he ranks sixth on the Oilers in 5-on-5 points with 29, just behind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (32) and Evander Kane (30), indicating he should remain with the team. He is on track to reach 40 points.
There are various strategies to manage the salary cap, such as trading Mattias Janmark, who has performed well but is best suited for a fourth-line role, or waiving players like Connor Brown or Gagner, who are not producing as expected. Alternatively, they could assign Dylan Holloway to the AHL for further development since anyone earning less than $1.15 million can be sent down without a cap penalty.
However, Foegele, whose contract expires on July 1 and earns $2.75 million, has not engaged in substantive contract discussions, despite his versatility and effectiveness across different line positions. He could potentially be an ideal fit for the Oilers’ third line, a position that remains unsettled with 23 games remaining. The team might also be considering Philadelphia center Scott Laughton, who brings physicality and has three years left on his contract at $3 million per year.
‘Hockey nerd’
Considering Foegele’s value on the ice, it seems best for him to remain where he is, although it ultimately depends on which forward the Oilers pursue.
Expressing his deep passion for hockey, Foegele stated, “I’m deeply invested in the game, pouring my heart into it. Perhaps down the line, that dedication could serve as a calling card for management, but for now, I simply enjoy playing and want to stay here.”
Foegele, who currently boasts 13 goals and recently tallied two assists against Pittsburgh, bringing his total points to 31, is hesitant to predict reaching the 40-point mark. Reflecting on the disrupted seasons due to COVID, he remarked, “I’m focused on securing wins. While reaching 40 points would be nice, my primary goal is to contribute to the team’s success. The past few seasons have been challenging due to disruptions caused by the pandemic.”
When asked about the potential milestone of scoring twenty goals, Foegele acknowledged the encouragement he received to shoot more from both peers and former coaches during the offseason. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing team victories over personal statistics.
Despite his dedication to the game, Foegele admitted to keeping an eye on the trade deadline, confessing that it can be distracting when it coincides with game days. He acknowledged the significance of this period for general managers to make crucial decisions that can shape the team’s roster for the remainder of the season and playoffs.
Looking ahead, Foegele expressed his preference for being on a team that adds players during the trade deadline, highlighting his consistent track record of making playoff appearances throughout his hockey career and expressing his hopes of continuing this streak with the Oilers.