The 2026 NHL trade deadline is less than one week away, so things around the league are about to get very busy. This is the last chance for clubs to make changes to their roster, and that is true for both buyers and sellers. The Edmonton Oilers are entering the trade deadline as one of the league’s most obvious buyers.
After losing in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, the Oilers are naturally looking to redeem themselves this spring. As a result of this, they should be aggressive and look to address their most notable roster needs. This is especially so when noting that they have been struggling as of late, losing five out of their last six games.
One specific area that the Oilers should be aiming to improve is their bottom six. They could use another option for their third-line center spot, and there are some interesting names in the rumor mill right now who could give them that. Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger is an example of one.
With Blueger being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) and the Canucks being the NHL’s worst team, there is certainly a chance that the veteran forward will be moved by the deadline. Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that would have Vancouver sending Blueger to Edmonton in a Pacific Division swap.
Oilers Get:
- Teddy Blueger (50% Retained)
Canucks Get:
- 2026 Third-Round Pick
- 2027 Seventh-Round Pick
Canucks’ Teddy Blueger Is a Clear Trade Candidate
The Canucks have made it known that they are rebuilding, so they should be major sellers leading up to the deadline. With Blueger being a pending UFA, he is a prime trade candidate to keep an eye on this week.
Due to this, Blueger was given the No. 26 spot on NHL insider Chris Johnston’s trade board for The Athletic.
“While he’s more typically known for his speed and ability to take care of his own end as a defensive-minded center, the scoring surge won’t hurt his trade value. Neither will the fact that Blueger won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023 and is playing on an expiring contract,” Johnston wrote.
With Blueger being a clear trade candidate, the Oilers would be wise to make a push for him. If Edmonton acquired him, he could work well as their new third-line center. Yet, even if he played on the Oilers’ fourth line, he would give their bottom six a solid boost due to his strong two-way play. He would also be an obvious choice for the Oilers’ penalty kill if acquired.
Blueger Should Be a Popular Target for Contenders
With Blueger being a solid two-way center with a reasonable cap hit and plenty of playoff experience, he should generate interest from multiple contenders. This is especially so when noting that he has had a solid 2025-26 season, as evidenced by his five goals, eight points, 28 hits, and plus-1 rating in 12 games this campaign.
With this, the Oilers will likely have to deal with some competition if they enter the Blueger sweepstakes. However, Edmonton should still try to land him, as he would be a solid pickup for their bottom six.
Oilers Trade Pitch Lands Canucks Veteran Center