The Oilers traded centre Boyd Gordon to Arizona for winger Lauri Korpikoski.

Gordon has one year left with a $3 millon cap hit, while Korpikoski has two years remaining at $2.5 million AAV.

This gives the Oilers some speed in their bottom six, but creates a void down the middle. I don’t see any way the Oilers begin the season with McDavid, RNH, Draisaitl and Lander as their four centres.

A source told me the Oilers are looking at some veterans UFA centres and exploring trade possibilities, but right now the UFA route seems more likely. One name to consider is Gregory Campbell.

This seems like step one of a few deals, other wise it is a bit of a head scratcher considering Gordon’s contract comes off the books next year.

Your thoughts on the deal?