Proposed trade between the Habs and Oilers involving former first round picks, including Ryan Poehling

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Jeff Drouin
June 11, 2022 (9:56)

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Despite being eliminated in the Western Finals by the Colorado Avalanche, it's safe to say that the Edmonton Oilers are headed in the right direction.

The team is on track to become Stanley Cup contenders next year, but to do so, general manager Ken Holland will have to make some changes, especially at the goaltending position.

But as my colleagues at Fanadiens.com report, it could very well be that the Oilers GM will enter into talks with his counterpart at the Habs, but not to discuss the goalie position.

According to Jimmy Murphy of Montreal Hockey Now, Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi may have to leave Alberta this offseason, as he will be a compensated free agent this summer.

Murphy also mentions that Ken Holland is expected to be active on the trade market due to the fact that the Oilers will be stuck with the salary cap next season and Murphy floated the idea that the Finnish forward could very well be involved in a trade with the Habs, a deal that could include a certain Ryan Poehling.

After all, Poehling and Puljujarvi are two former first round picks who have not lived up to expectations, and let's just say a change of scenery could be beneficial for both players.

However, it would be quite surprising if the Oilers traded the Finnish forward one-for-one for Poehling, but a trade involving other pieces could make sense for both organizations.

Puljujarvi has 36 points, including 14 goals in 65 games this season, while the Canadiens' number 25 has nine goals and eight assists in 57 games.

Kent Hughes will have to add to that total if he wants to make this trade, but Murphy believes it is possible.