The Edmonton Oilers are certainly a team that all eyes should be on leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. With the Oilers currently being second in the Pacific Division standings and having high expectations after losing in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, they are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline.
The Oilers have multiple areas on their roster that they should be looking to improve ahead of the deadline. One of them is their blueline, as there is no question that they could use more defensive depth. This is especially the case when it comes to their right side because it is apparent that it is in need of a boost.
The Boston Bruins, on the other hand, could end up being a mix between buyers and sellers at the deadline. This is because they currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but they are also still in the middle of their retool. Due to this, defenseman Andrew Peeke has come up in the rumor mill as a trade candidate, and he would be a strong fit on a team like the Oilers.
Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have the Bruins send Peeke to the Oilers ahead of the deadline.
Oilers Get:
- Andrew Peeke (50% Retained)
- 2026 Sixth-Round Pick
Bruins Get:
- Alec Regula
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
Bruins Open to Trading Andrew Peeke
In a recent article for The Athletic, Fluto Shinzawa reported that the Bruins would be open to trading Peeke if the return has the potential to benefit their future.
“At the same time, Andrew Peeke and Viktor Arvidsson are on expiring contracts. Peeke, as a 27-year-old right-shot defenseman, has higher trade value than the 32-year-old Arvidsson. If a contender is eager to add right-side depth, the Bruins would be interested in adding to their pipeline,” Shinzawa wrote.
With the Bruins being focused on the future, it is understandable that they are not against the possibility of trading Peeke. The 6-foot-4 defenseman is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), and if the Bruins do not view him as a long-term part of their plans, it would make a lot of sense for them to deal him.
With the Oilers needing another experienced right-shot defenseman, Peeke is one blueliner that they should have on their radar. He would give their bottom pairing a nice boost if acquired and would also provide them another defenseman who works on the penalty kill due to his steady defensive play.
Oilers Could Have Competition If They Pursue Peeke
With Peeke being one of the more notable right-shot defenseman trade candidates, it is likely that he will generate some interest leading up to the deadline. Contenders are always looking to add big right-shot defensemen ahead of the playoffs, and Peeke certainly fits that description.
Besides the Oilers, a few teams that could make sense as suitors for Peeke include the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Ottawa Senators.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Oilers try to land Peeke ahead of the deadline. The fit looks good on paper.
Oilers Trade Pitch Lands 6-Foot-3 Bruins Defenseman