NHL analyst links potential third-line center to Oilers once salary cap allows
NHL analyst Jesse Courville-Lynch has linked Seattle Kraken's Jared McCann to the Oilers as a third-line center option if they can make it work with the salary cap.
The Edmonton Oilers are coming out of the holiday break in strong form, competing at the top of the Pacific Division and well-positioned for a playoff push.
With Tristan Jarry added in goal and Spencer Stastney strengthening the blue line, their focus could turn to adding depth before the 2026 Trade Deadline.
The proposed blockbuster trade that has been gaining attention
One possibility gaining attention is a blockbuster deal with the Seattle Kraken for third-line centre Jared McCann, according to NHL analyst Jesse Courville-Lynch.
The 29-year-old has eight points in 11 games this season and is expected to return soon from an injury. Over 679 career games, McCann has 406 points, averaging 0.60 points per game.
A trade like this comes with hurdles. McCann carries a $5 million cap hit and has a 10-team no-trade list.
For Edmonton to make it work, the Kraken would likely need to retain 50% of his contract, which runs through next season, a potentially tough negotiation, per Courville-Lynch.
If McCann joins the Oilers, he could slot alongside Andrew Mangiapane and Matthew Savoie, forming one of the NHL's strongest third lines.
Why Jared McCann would strengthen Edmonton's forward group
His two-way game, combined with Savoie's playmaking and Mangiapane's scoring touch, would strengthen Edmonton's top-nine forwards.
"McCann would fit nicely on the Oilers' third line moving forward. Alongside Andrew Mangiapane and Matthew Savoie, that new line could be one of the best third lines in the NHL. McCann's two-way play, combined with Savoie's two-way play and Mangiapane's willingness to shoot the puck, could elevate everyone on the line and create a strong top-nine forward group for the Oilers."
- Jesse Courville-Lynch
- Jesse Courville-Lynch
Cap space would still need work. David Tomasek's move to the Swedish Hockey League clears some room, but Mattias Janmark and possibly Kasperi Kapanen would also need to be moved to finalise the deal.
The Oilers have Adam Henrique, Curtis Lazar, Trent Frederic, and one of Max Jones, Noah Philp, or Connor Clattenburg to fill the fourth line, giving them flexibility.
Pulling off this trade would give Edmonton the depth forward they need and position them as strong Stanley Cup favourites, with solid goaltending, defensive depth, and one of the league's most dangerous forward groups.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 101 ANSWERS NHL analyst links potential third-line center to Oilers once salary cap allows Should the Oilers target Jared McCann if they can make it work under the salary cap? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 74.3 % |
| No | 26 | 25.7 % |
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