There are quite a few options, such as Boone Jenner, who we already profiled earlier this month. Another option for the Oilers is St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.

In Daily Faceoff’s latest trade board, Schenn was listed as an obvious trade candidate, which makes sense as the Blues have the second-fewest points in the league at the Olympic break. In this article, we’ll look at Schenn’s fit on the Oilers, his cap hit, and what he could cost.

Brayden Schenn’s fit

Depth scoring has been a huge issue for the Oilers this season. Without Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl on the ice during five-on-five action, the Oilers have been out-scored 32-60, have a 46.67 per cent expected goal share, and have given up 240 high-danger scoring chances while generating just 209 of their own. It’s a major step down from the past three seasons.

Schenn isn’t the player that he was in his earlier days. At one point, the left-shot centre from Saskatoon consistently scored 20+ goals, but potted just 18 goals and 50 points in 82 games in 2024-25.

Through 57 games this season, the Blues captain has 12 goals and 24 points, which is on pace for 17 goals and 34 points over an 82-game season. That would be the fewest points he’s had in a full season since, well, ever. He had eight goals and 26 points just the 2012-13 lockout season, and 18 points in 54 games during his rookie season.

Still, Schenn would be a solid third-line centre option. While his scoring has taken a hit in the past two years, his point production would be beneficial to the Oilers’ third line. Add the fact that he’s strong in the faceoff dot (54 win percentage in 2025-26), and you can see how he’d fit the Oilers roster.

However, one area that makes a trade for Schenn unlikely is regarding his cap hit.

Brayden Schenn’s cap hit

There are very few players the Oilers could acquire before the 2026 trade deadline that wouldn’t require them to make a trade to clear space. As it stands, the Oilers have $788,352 in cap space thanks to sending Matthew Savoie and Alec Regula down to the American Hockey League. Despite Adam Henrique being on the long-term injured reserve, the Oilers are now accumulating deadline cap space, which figures to be about $1.089 million if nothing changes.

That said, don’t expect their cap situation to stay the same. Activating Henrique would jump the Oilers over the $95.5 million cap ceiling by nearly $1.5 million. Another move will need to be made just to make that work, and it’ll likely be Andrew Mangiapane being traded.

This doesn’t even factor in Schenn’s cap hit, which makes any trade to the Oilers during the season nearly impossible. Schenn is in the sixth year of an eight year deal which comes with a cap hit of $6.5 million. Off the bat, the Blues would need to retain 50% to make any deal with the Oilers possible, and that just doesn’t seem realistic. Even then, cap space would need to be cleared on the Oilers’ end.

Brayden Schenn’s cost of acquisition

There aren’t a lot of recent historic examples of veteran third-line centres on the decline being traded at the trade deadline with both term and 50 per cent retention. The Oilers probably have the assets to pull it off, with Ike Howard, Matthew Savoie, and Quinn Hutson being their notable prospects, while having both their 2027 and 2028 first round picks.

One similarish trade I was able to find was when the Toronto Maple Leafs sent Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche. Kadri was the Leafs’ third line centre and was coming off a season where he had 16 goals and 44 points in 73 games. Still, there are notable differences, as that came on the opening day of free agency, the Leafs didn’t retain any of Kadri’s cap hit, and Kadri was only 29 years old (Schenn is 34).

It just doesn’t seem likely that the Oilers will go out of their way to spend a fortune for a player on the decline, especially with better options available for a trade.

Trade deadline preview series

Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Oilersnation, FlamesNation, and Blue Jays Nation. Follow her on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

PRESENTED BY SOUTHVIEW ACURA

At Southview Acura, luxury isn’t just what you drive, it’s how you’re treated. Family owned and operated, we’re proud to offer an exceptional selection of new and certified pre-owned Acuras, backed by a service experience built on trust and precision. Whether it’s your first visit or your next, our team is committed to excellence every step of the way. Visit Southview Acura today, where luxury meets reality.

Featured

Editorials

Recent articles from Ryley Delaney

Two assists from McDavid, clutch goal from MacKinnon give Canada win over Finland and berth to Olympic gold final: Recap, Reaction and Highlights

Oilers 2026 trade deadline target: Brayden Schenn

Meet the Sellers: With playoffs likely out of the picture, Maple Leafs could be big players at deadline

MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER