The post Think Twice Before Buying Into Columnist’s Kempe-to-Oilers Trade Hype appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
An attempt by a columnist who didn’t take the time to do much homework has linked the Edmonton Oilers to Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe in a trade before the NHL trade deadline. This is not to say the Oilers wouldn’t love the opportunity to add someone like Kempe for a playoff push, but the pitch just doesn’t make sense. Such is the case with many of these “suggested blockbuster” trades.
While it’s easy to imagine the Oilers adding another proven scorer, this particular trade scenario overlooks several key realities for both clubs.
Instead of focusing specifically on the trade pitch, what might be more useful is responding in general about trade pitches like these. There are a few things to watch for that writers too often overlook.
Trade suggestions linking Kempe to the Oilers should be taken with a more logical approach.
First, the idea that the Kings “can afford” or are willing to pay Kempe’s asking price simply doesn’t line up with what’s been reported. Insiders like Elliotte Friedman and David Pagnotta have both reported that there’s a big bridge to gap between the Kings and Kempe. He could command well beyond $10 million per season, and the Kings didn’t want to go there. Only because of the Martin Necas deal might Los Angeles finally be realizing they have little choice. Still, they aren’t happy about it.
There’s no sign of friction between the player and organization — certainly not to the point of forcing a mid-season move. That said, there is work to be done and this has nothing to do with Kempe feeling like he wants out. He’s talked about hoping he can stay, but he wants the kind of money the market will command.
In the end, the most likely outcome is that the Kings give in and pay Kempe.
Second, the suggested package from Edmonton is unrealistic. Trade pitch articles like these often are. The centerpiece names floated in this particular case— such as Darnell Nurse or Adam Henrique — both carry significant trade protection. Nurse has a full no-movement clause, and Henrique would have to waive his modified list to even have the conversation. He has already declined to do so, and just the other day, during his 1000th game interview, he talked about how much he likes it in Edmonton. Building a trade proposal around players who have already declined to move simply isn’t practical.
That is, assuming the Kings or the Oilers even feel that’s a fair return.
Third, the Oilers’ limited draft capital makes this type of deal unlikely. This particular pitch has Edmonton offering up Beau Akey, Max Berezkin, their 2027 first-round pick, and their 2026 second-round pick. After several seasons of “win-now” trades, Edmonton’s front office has shown a more cautious approach with its remaining picks. Giving up a first- and second-rounder, plus top prospects, for a player without contractual certainty would be reckless — especially given the organization’s need for long-term stability. Imagine how someone like Connor McDavid might feel if the team moved this many assets for a rental who simply leaves on July 1.
And that leads to the biggest issue: there’s no mention of a sign-and-trade. It’s important that any trade pitch like this keeps that in mind; otherwise, the Oilers don’t do it. They certainly don’t give up multiple assets to do it. Without an extension in place, Kempe would be a pure rental. The Oilers aren’t parting with major assets for one playoff run, not when they already have to navigate future cap challenges and pending extensions. Remember, McDavid is only signed for two more years after this one. So too, Edmonton doesn’t have a goaltender locked in, and that’s a key area of need.
Ultimately, the logic behind this proposal just doesn’t hold. The Kings have no reason to rush a deal, the Oilers can’t offer the right combination of movable contracts and future assets, and without an extension in place, the risk far outweighs the reward. Until any of those factors change, talk of a Kempe-to-Edmonton blockbuster remains little more than wishful thinking.
Next: McDavid Fires Back After Media Criticism of Bouchard
The post Think Twice Before Buying Into Columnist’s Kempe-to-Oilers Trade Hype appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...
An attempt by a columnist who didn’t take the time to do much homework has linked the Edmonton Oilers to Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe in a trade before the NHL trade deadline. This is not to say the Oilers wouldn’t love the opportunity to add someone like Kempe for a playoff push, but the pitch just doesn’t make sense. Such is the case with many of these “suggested blockbuster” trades.
While it’s easy to imagine the Oilers adding another proven scorer, this particular trade scenario overlooks several key realities for both clubs.
Instead of focusing specifically on the trade pitch, what might be more useful is responding in general about trade pitches like these. There are a few things to watch for that writers too often overlook.
Trade suggestions linking Kempe to the Oilers should be taken with a more logical approach.
All the Reasons A Trade for Kempe Faces Hurdles
First, the idea that the Kings “can afford” or are willing to pay Kempe’s asking price simply doesn’t line up with what’s been reported. Insiders like Elliotte Friedman and David Pagnotta have both reported that there’s a big bridge to gap between the Kings and Kempe. He could command well beyond $10 million per season, and the Kings didn’t want to go there. Only because of the Martin Necas deal might Los Angeles finally be realizing they have little choice. Still, they aren’t happy about it.
There’s no sign of friction between the player and organization — certainly not to the point of forcing a mid-season move. That said, there is work to be done and this has nothing to do with Kempe feeling like he wants out. He’s talked about hoping he can stay, but he wants the kind of money the market will command.
In the end, the most likely outcome is that the Kings give in and pay Kempe.
Second, the suggested package from Edmonton is unrealistic. Trade pitch articles like these often are. The centerpiece names floated in this particular case— such as Darnell Nurse or Adam Henrique — both carry significant trade protection. Nurse has a full no-movement clause, and Henrique would have to waive his modified list to even have the conversation. He has already declined to do so, and just the other day, during his 1000th game interview, he talked about how much he likes it in Edmonton. Building a trade proposal around players who have already declined to move simply isn’t practical.
That is, assuming the Kings or the Oilers even feel that’s a fair return.
Third, the Oilers’ limited draft capital makes this type of deal unlikely. This particular pitch has Edmonton offering up Beau Akey, Max Berezkin, their 2027 first-round pick, and their 2026 second-round pick. After several seasons of “win-now” trades, Edmonton’s front office has shown a more cautious approach with its remaining picks. Giving up a first- and second-rounder, plus top prospects, for a player without contractual certainty would be reckless — especially given the organization’s need for long-term stability. Imagine how someone like Connor McDavid might feel if the team moved this many assets for a rental who simply leaves on July 1.
The Biggest Issue for the Oilers
And that leads to the biggest issue: there’s no mention of a sign-and-trade. It’s important that any trade pitch like this keeps that in mind; otherwise, the Oilers don’t do it. They certainly don’t give up multiple assets to do it. Without an extension in place, Kempe would be a pure rental. The Oilers aren’t parting with major assets for one playoff run, not when they already have to navigate future cap challenges and pending extensions. Remember, McDavid is only signed for two more years after this one. So too, Edmonton doesn’t have a goaltender locked in, and that’s a key area of need.
Ultimately, the logic behind this proposal just doesn’t hold. The Kings have no reason to rush a deal, the Oilers can’t offer the right combination of movable contracts and future assets, and without an extension in place, the risk far outweighs the reward. Until any of those factors change, talk of a Kempe-to-Edmonton blockbuster remains little more than wishful thinking.
Next: McDavid Fires Back After Media Criticism of Bouchard
The post Think Twice Before Buying Into Columnist’s Kempe-to-Oilers Trade Hype appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...