Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal has suggested the front office looks at Nashville, who is deep in talent on the back line, for the help they need to take that next step into becoming one of the better squads in the Western Conference.
The proposed deal would have 22-year-old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins headed to the Predators for Shea Weber, one of the better veteran defenders in the league. This move would actually benefit both franchises in their efforts to make the post season.
Nugent-Hopkins was the first overall pick back in 2011 and in his short stint in the league, the youngster has over 200 points, including 20 this season in just 29 games. With Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid already on the roster, they have the talent to make this move and not affect the offensive flow this team has established this year.
Nashville lacks a true number one center, but have three terrific defenders. Weber is the oldest at 31, but he also has the biggest contract. The chance to add a youngster who can score might be the move they need to boost their attack.
Rumors have also circulated on the franchise waiting to get help through the draft, but that could take another couple years to develop, costing the team and its loyal following a long-awaited trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The front office for the Edmonton Oilers has done a good job adding young talent and now that work could payoff with a deal. The NHL trade deadline is still weeks away, but with the momentum the team has built over the last couple of weeks, making a move now, rather than later, could build some chemistry over the last half of the 2015-16 hockey season.
