Realistic Deadline

Edmonton has been long rumoured to be looking to free some cap space up, and Koskinen’s name has frequently been in the rumour mill as the guy to go. After seeing Nick Ritchie moved for cap purposes and still bring in useful assets, the price would seem to be similar. Oilers add a useful depth centre with playoff experience to help them with a playoff push. They also add a depth goaltender in Dell in case of injuries down the stretch and is a guy that can easily run through the waiver wire if needed without worrying about being claimed.

For Buffalo, they rid themselves of 2 players with virtually no value and pick up a mid round pick in exchange for taking on the remainder of the season of Koskinen. The Sabres could use some goaltending depth due to injuries so it’s not at all unreasonable to see them interested in Koskinen.

Note: Koskinen’s remainder cap hit is $900K for this season and then a free agent, and Nick Ritchie’s is $500K this season and $2.5M next season. If the price for a Ritchie dump of 1 more season at $2.5M aav was a 3rd or a future 2nd, the price is Koskinen at $900K for less than half a season would be similar and nothing extravagant.

Note: don’t mention Koskinen’s M-NTC. Nobody here has any way of knowing who’s on that list or if Koskinen would waive to go there. Chill.

Oilers will need to add a goalie if they’re moving out Koskinen - Stuart Skinner really isn’t a viable NHL option right now if they’re looking for a deep playoff run. The Oilers have been connected to Korpisalo in the past and if the price is right I could see them looking at him again. He’s struggled this season so I don’t imagine the price is high given that and that’s he’s an impending UFA. Columbus has Elvis Merzlikins locked up long term so they’ll likely be looking at getting what they can for him. Although he’s struggled this season, he has a strong post-season history which should be intriguing to the Oilers, but because of the struggles I see a deal being made with 50% retention being necessary and not a deal breaker for Columbus.

The Jackets receive a mediocre prospect in Ostaf Safin and a future pick to help their rebuild process. Safin has good size and a decent offensive touch but just hasn’t been able to put it all together yet. A change of scenery and a new opportunity could be what he needs to jump start his career. If he does get going, he could be a great middle 6 option for Columbus.

Edmonton can’t go through the deadline without addressing their biggest need - defensive depth. For that, they should look to Seattle and a young guy like Lauzon fits the bill. A big, physical, defenceman that will perfectly fit playoff style hockey and can play anywhere in the lineup will bring exactly what Edmonton needs.

For the Kraken, they’ll likely be looking mainly for picks to help build their franchise. A mid 2nd round pick is a good spot to start, and they also receive a 4th round pick for taking on the remainder of the year of Kyle Turris’ deal.