Simon Edvinsson is linked to a Canadian team as a proposed trade return emerges for the Red Wings

Jim Matheson thinks the Oilers should go after Simon Edvinsson, but he isn't convinced Edmonton can win the bidding war.

Matheson believes it could cost the Oilers one of their top young forwards, either Isaac Howard or Matt Savoie, as part of any return.

That's a real price. Both are the kind of young, cost-controlled pieces teams usually protect at all costs.

Detroit is now open to futures for Edvinsson, per Frank Seravalli, including prospects, picks and young roster players. That's exactly the type of package Matheson is describing.

The competition is stiff. Utah has been named among the teams with the most interest, and the Flyers, Sharks and Maple Leafs have all been linked.

Edvinsson, 23, is a 6-foot-6 left shot who finished +12 in each of his last two seasons. He's still in Sweden while his contract standoff continues.

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Isaac Howard or Matt Savoie: Stan Bowman's painful price

Howard, 22, carries a $972,500 cap hit and has one assist through four games. Mike Babcock already moved Kasperi Kapanen into his second-line spot during camp.

Savoie's injury earlier this fall opened the door for others in camp. Moving either player would mean betting on the present over the future.

The Oilers' need is clear. Edmonton gave up 13 goals in its first two games, and the blue line has been a problem area from the start.

Stan Bowman should pay it. A 23-year-old top-four defenceman on a long deal fits Connor McDavid's window far better than a prospect who might be ready in two years.

Trading a top prospect for him is like cashing in a lottery ticket to buy a sure thing. You give up the dream, but you get the payout.

Money is still the hurdle. David Pagnotta pegged Edvinsson's next deal between $9 million and $11 million a year, and Edmonton's cap is already stretched.

Matheson might be right that the Oilers can't win a bidding war. If Bowman wants Edvinsson badly enough, though, Howard or Savoie might be the price of entry.

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