One never knows with these things but it does appear the Edmonton Oilers are at least casting about looking for early help in the 2017-18 season. Frank Seravalli of TSN wrote an article about the team needing help for Connor McDavid, Elliotte Friedman spent some time on the subject during his 31 Thoughts.

So, when word breaks that the Golden Knights have given permission to Russian center Vadim Shipachyov’s agent to seek a trade, we’re going to have a discussion online at the various Oilers online communities.

If not Shipachyov, perhaps another forward is the target for general manager Peter Chiarelli. Pending free agent forwards include many speed burners, a few of whom can shoot the puck and might be a good match for the Oilers club. The problem there is every team is still in contention (save for the one in the desert, and no it’s not Vegas), meaning any trade pursued at this time of year is going to involve a premium.

If the Oilers are in search of Shipachyov, or Andrew Cogliano, or Josh Ho-Sang (not a pending UFA but he was sent to the AHL today), what kind of assets can they offer?

Edmonton currently ranks No. 3 in the draft pecking order, highly unlikely to draft inside the top 10 overall in 2018. Still, probably a good idea for the Oilers to keep their powder dry in terms of dealing their first-round pick at this time.

Any trade for a big contract likely means money being retained by the trading club or a substantial contract going out. You’ll read online that the Oilers have $6-8 million in cap room but the real number is closer to $3.6 million.

Edmonton’s issue surrounds potential bonuses. They exist across the roster and total $4 million. Some of these bonuses are locks (McDavid probably gets max) and some is less likely. Peter Chiarelli’s roster got dinged over $800,000 in overages and it’s my belief he’ll run well below cap just in case. Jesse Puljujarvi’s potential recall (another $2.5 million in possible bonuses) also factors in.

I’d say possible trade assets out include Mark Fayne (might make the money work), Jujhar Khaira (a young player could be part of the equation) and Anton Slepyshev (suspect the organization prefers Drake Caggiula).

Edmonton has some minor league players who could be of interest, although one wonders if there’s a desire to part with the better prospects. It would take quite a bit to pry Jesse Puljujarvi away but I don’t think it’s impossible. Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones are fine young defensive prospects, not sure the Oilers are eager to part with them just as pro defensive depth comes to town. Nick Ellis might be an intriguing option but every NHL team has a goalie they’re high on in the minors.

I don’t think the Oilers have enough prospect depth to deal from strength. A second-round pick would have value and the organization has shown a willingness to deal that pick in the past.

Beyond that, I think it might be Anton Slepyshev.