No. 1: Edmonton Oilers
Hypothetical Trade:
- Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: 2023 2nd Round Draft Pick
- Edmonton Oilers acquire: Petr Mrazek
Mike Smith is 10000 years old and the Edmonton Oilers don’t have an other option in net for the 2022-23, so they may be inclined to trade for a starter, if they can’t sign one in free agency.
One of the main reasons why the Edmonton Oilers would be interested in trading for Petr Mrazek is because the GM of the Oilers was the same manager who drafted Mrazek 12 years ago.
Holland, formerly of the Detroit Red Wings, drafted Mrazek in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, so he’s incredibly familiar with his services.
During Mrazek’s time in Detroit, he was actually a very reliable and serviceable goaltender, so Holland may see past his injury struggles and want to trade for him.
Since the Oilers are in a win-now mode, they probably won’t want to give up anyone off their roster, but instead, would have to trade draft picks or prospects.
That’s perfectly fine for Toronto as cap-space is just as valuable as an NHL player at this moment, as they would look to use Mrazek’s $3.8M and find a legitimate goalie for themselves.
Marc-Andre Fleury? Jordan Binnington? We shall see…