The Edmonton Oilers have the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, but we shouldn’t be too surprised if a different team picks in that spot June 26.
Speaking on 630 CHEDÂ radio in Edmonton on Monday, Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli revealed the amount of interest he’s received from other teams about trading for the No. 4 selection.
"I've already had 4 or 5 teams call me already. I've made it known we would look to trade down if the right deal is there." Chiarelli.
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) May 9, 2016
Chiarelli said soon after the draft lottery there was a “real, legitimate chance” he trades his first-round pick, so his latest comments aren’t a shock.
Teams in need of scoring depth might as well call the Oilers and see what kind of return Chiarelli is seeking. The top 10 of the 2016 draft class is loaded with talented forwards, many of whom are wingers. The top-rated prospect, Auston Matthews, is a center.
As we’ve discussed on several occasions, the Oilers need a No. 1 defenseman, but taking a blueliner at No. 4 in this draft doesn’t make too much sense. That’s likely what is driving the interest in dangling this pick on the trade market and looking at what kind of assets Edmonton can acquire.
Thumbnail photo via Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports Images
