NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers open to shipping out 2024 first-round draft pick and more assets for new star blueliner

With the March 8 trade deadline day closing in, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to strengthen their blueline.

The Fourth Period's NHL insider David Pagnotta tweeted that Edmonton is open to trading its 2024 first-round draft pick along with a roster player to acquire a top-tier defenseman.

"Edmonton’s 2024 1st round pick is in play, and I’m told they’ve discussed packaging it with a roster player to another club for a defenceman to upgrade their blueline. No decision yet. #LetsGoOilers"

Many defensemen have been traded recently, including Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars and Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The players the Oilers could eye are Noah Hanifin, Matt Dumba and the Philadelphia Flyers' defensive duo of Nick Seeler and Sean Walker. While Hanifin and Dumba are known commodities, the availability of Seeler and Walker depends on the Flyers' stance as potential sellers during a playoff push.

Insiders on the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers trade

Insider Anthony Di Marco also shared his insights into the Oilers' potential targets.

Di Marco reported that Edmonton is among six teams interested in acquiring Seeler and Walker.

He tweeted:

"As defencemen continue to come off the board, there are six teams in on Seeler/Walker, including the #letsgooilers."

In response, Pagnotta indicated that the team is also eyeing forward Pavel Buchnevich.

"Edmonton’s looking to add both on D and up front, with Pavel Buchnevich among their targets. Money in means money out for the Oilers, with Cody Ceci, Warren Foegele & Brett Kulak the likely casualties."