Kirby Dach has been the Oilers' main target for weeks, according to a late-night report, and the word is that something could happen before Wednesday.
That's the part to circle. Edmonton visits Anaheim on Wednesday, which gives Stan Bowman roughly a day to finish whatever he's working on.
The timeline fits what we've already heard. Elliotte Friedman reported the Oilers exploring a lateral trade, moving a depth defenceman for a forward.
Dach fits that mould. The 25-year-old Canadiens forward carries a $3,600,000 cap hit and has one assist through two games.
Edmonton has also been linked to a right-shot centre for weeks, with Montreal mentioned as an appealing fit.
There's a backup plan too. The same report says the Oilers have talked to Boston about Matthew Poitras as a secondary option.
Ty Emberson could be the price as Stan Bowman's clock ticks
The sticking point is the blue line. Boston reportedly wants a right-shot defenceman, while the report lists Edmonton's offer as a left-shot option in Ty Emberson or Stastney.
Emberson, 26, carries a $1,300,000 cap hit and has played one game this season. Shakir Mukhamadullin, at -6 early, remains another obvious chip.
Poitras, 22, carries an $850,000 cap hit in Boston. He's a cheaper, younger option, but Dach remains the priority.
Dach is the right target. Edmonton needs a forward who can step into the middle of the lineup right away, and the Oilers should get it done before the plane lands in Anaheim.
A self-imposed deadline is like an alarm you set for 6 a.m. Easy to set at night, much harder to answer when it rings.
The Oilers are 2-0-1 after a 3-1 win over Seattle. Their depth forwards, though, have produced very little offence so far.
Should the report hold, the next 24 hours decide Edmonton's forward group. Otherwise, the Dach chatter boards the plane to Anaheim with everyone else.
Should the Oilers trade for Kirby Dach before Wednesday?
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