NHL Trade Rumors: Edmonton Oilers interested in Chicago Blackhawks veteran forward

The Edmonton Oilers seem to be on the market for possibilities to bolster their front line. With less than two weeks until the March 3 trade deadline, the team is looking to strengthen their offensive line.

Ken Holland, the Oilers' general manager, is in talks with the Blackhawks about signing one of their veteran players. According to insider Chris Johnson, they are exploring the possibility of signing veteran Patrick Kane, whose contract with the Blackhawks expires at the end of the current season.

Kane is either way not having a great season with the team, having played 51 games and totaling 37 points on 11 goals and 26 assists. The Chicago Blackhawks are currently the poorest in the NHL, with only 17 victories in 54 games and are placed bottom of the league.

The player has also expressed disappointment with the organization as a result of the team's poor performances this season and a trade is becoming more likely.

Clubs such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers are being mentioned as possible destinations for the three-time Stanley Cup winner. The Edmonton Oilers are the new team in discussions with the Blackhawks as a possible destination for Kane's services.

However, the trade appears to be fairly challenging to complete because of the Veteran's salary cap hit of $10.5 million. On the other hand, the Oilers have a salary cap space available for this deadline that is equivalent to $562,500.

Thus, if the Oilers are truly considering putting Patrick Kane in their jersey, the management needs to carefully plan to create a space for Kane's big $10.5 million salary cap.

If he chooses to join the Oilers, the team will have one of the strongest offensive forward lines in the league with Kane and Connor McDavid. However, how things play out in the coming days remains to be seen.

Edmonton Oilers 2022-23 NHL campaign so far

Connor McDavid in action during Edmonton Oilers v Philadelphia Flyers matchup

The Edmonton Oilers are currently fourth in the Pacific Division with 67 points after a 30-19-7 record. The Oilers are also leading the Wild Card standings and are poised to make the playoffs for the 25th time in team history.

Connor McDavid has been the Oilers' most valuable player. He presently leads the NHL in scoring with 101 points in 56 games (42 goals and 59 assists). McDavid is likely to win his fifth Art Ross Trophy if he maintains his current pace until the end of the season.