Blockbuster Kyle Connor trade could give Oilers the finisher Connor McDavid has been missing
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kyle Connor trade rumors are heating up as the Winnipeg Jets weigh a rebuild, with the Oilers eyeing a blockbuster package for the star winger.
The Winnipeg Jets have turned into the NHL's biggest offseason storyline.
Connor Hellebuyck made his trade request public last week, and the fallout has fans wondering whether Winnipeg is finally headed for a full teardown.
Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey have already surfaced in trade chatter.
One name that hasn't come up nearly as often is Kyle Connor, and that feels strange given what he brings to the table.
Connor is one of the purest scorers in hockey, coming off back to back seasons north of 90 points and a career high 41 goals two seasons ago.
He's only 29, signed through the 2033-34 season, and carries a cap hit of $12 million.
If Winnipeg does decide to blow things up, a winger of his caliber becomes an obvious trade chip, especially with three of the roster's biggest names already facing uncertainty.
Why Edmonton makes sense
Edmonton has been searching for a true finisher to play alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for years.
The Oilers have the prospect pool to make a run at Connor, led by Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard, plus a surplus of young defensemen and draft capital that could headline a serious offer.
A package built around Savoie, Howard, Jake Walman, Trent Frederic, and two first round picks has been floated as the kind of return that could get Winnipeg to listen.
Jets Receive:
Trent Frederic
Matt Savoie
Isaac (Ike) Howard
Jake Walman
2028 1st round pick
2029 1st round pick
Oilers Receive:
Kyle Connor
Trent Frederic
Matt Savoie
Isaac (Ike) Howard
Jake Walman
2028 1st round pick
2029 1st round pick
Oilers Receive:
Kyle Connor
What it would mean for both sides
For the Jets, it accelerates a youth movement while clearing significant long term money off the books.
For Edmonton, it hands their stars a finisher capable of pushing his offensive totals even higher, and gives their Cup window a real boost.
Whether it actually happens depends on how far Winnipeg is willing to go, but the conversation around Connor keeps getting louder.
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Previously on House Of Hockey