The Edmonton Oilers are officially on the hunt for a shutdown defenseman, and a massive solution might be waiting just across the division. According to David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, the Seattle Kraken are exploring the trade market for veteran defenseman Jamie Oleksiak ahead of the March 6 deadline. Despite the Kraken jockeying for a wildcard spot in the Western Conference, management appears ready to pivot toward younger talent, making pending UFAs like Oleksiak, Jaden Schwartz, and Jordan Eberle available for the right price.
For Edmonton, this is more than just a rumor—it’s a potential lifeline. The Oilers have long needed a physical presence capable of clearing the net front and killing penalties effectively. Standing 6’7”, Oleksiak fits that mold perfectly. However, acquiring an original Kraken member from a division rival won’t come cheap, especially given Edmonton’s cap constraints.
The Cost of Business: Analyzing the Trade Package
The primary obstacle in bringing “The Big Rig” to Alberta is the salary cap. Oleksiak carries a $4.6 million AAV, and how Stan Bowman navigates that number will dictate the assets leaving Edmonton.
Scenario A: Salary Retention (The Likely Route)
If the Oilers want Seattle to retain 50% of Oleksiak’s salary (bringing the hit down to $2.3 million), the cost will be premium. Because Edmonton has already moved their 2026 first-round pick, the conversation starts with a conditional 2027 first-round pick. Seattle would effectively be buying a first-rounder by eating that cap space, a price Bowman might have to pay to keep his current roster intact.
Scenario B: No Salary Retention
If the Oilers opt to take on the full $4.6 million hit, the draft capital required drops significantly, likely to a 2027 second-round pick or even a third-rounder plus a sweetener. However, this scenario is painful for the roster. To make the money work, Edmonton would almost certainly have to ship out a roster player like Andrew Mangiapane to remain compliant.
Our Insight: Why This Gamble Makes Sense
From my perspective, this is the move the Oilers have to make. While losing a future first-round pick stings, the Oilers are in “win-now” mode. Oleksiak brings a unique element that this blueline lacks: pure intimidation and reach. The Kraken are taking a risk by potentially scuttling their own playoff hopes, but their desire to get younger aligns perfectly with Edmonton’s desperation for veteran grit. If I’m Stan Bowman, I am calling Jason Botterill today. You don’t worry about the 2027 draft when you have McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime; you worry about surviving the Western Conference playoffs.
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The post Will the Oilers Trade for Jamie Oleksiak? The Kraken’s Massive Price Reveal appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
