The Boston Bruins could have had a deal in the works with the Edmonton Oilers.
The deal sort of flew under the radar as it didn’t directly involve the Bruins until a couple of days ago. The rumor mill had been grinding with chatter regarding the Oilers looking into a “young Eastern Conference” center. There were some names thrown around, but the name that has stuck is Matthew Poitras.
David Staple of the Edmonton Journal first dropped the idea. Then, insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed Poitras as the person of interest during the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
Friedman not only named Poitras, but also revealed why the deal likely won’t happen.
“I think they were definitely interested in Poitras from Boston… I think Boston wanted more a pick potentially for Poitras, and I’m not certain Edmonton wanted to do that.”
So, the deal between the Oilers and Bruins involving Poitras seems like a legit rumor. However, the deal doesn’t seem to be getting very far, considering Boston’s purported asking price.
Does this mean the deal is dead?
Perhaps not. But when Edmonton traded for Filip Hallander on Wednesday, most pundits declared that the Oilers would no longer be pushing for a younger center like Poitras.
What’s the “pick” the Bruins are looking for in Poitras deal?
The sticking point, it seems, is the pick that Friedman referred to. Likely, that’s a first-round pick we’re talking about.
And that price point may be too rich for the Oilers’ blood.
Edmonton doesn’t have its 2027 first-rounder, so it would likely have to dip into its 2028 or 2029 picks. Even assuming they were willing to do that, would the pick itself really move the needle for the Bruins? If the Oilers remain contenders in the Western Conference, the pick could very well land late in the first round.
Now, you could argue that late first-round picks don’t carry the same value as those, say, in the top 10. That’s why Edmonton might have to do a little better to pry Poitras away from Boston.
While it’s also true that Poitras doesn’t have much of a future in Boston, it’s clear the Bruins are not just going to give him away for peanuts. Hence, whoever wants the 22-year-old, not just the Oilers, will have to pay up to get him.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t discount this deal from happening. There’s always the possibility that it could go through, especially if injuries become a major factor in Edmonton. But the initial business case for this trade was the Oilers looking to salvage a once-promising prospect.
That’s why, if it happens, if it ever gets very far, the deal would likely happen a little further down the line.
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