Nashville Predators Trade Rumors
Dec 12, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward
(93) carries the puck against the Anaheim Ducks at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for a Top 6 Defenseman
This one is very similar to the Duchene trade. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug says this:
"“When Connor McDavid comes back, if Draisaitl is still playing at something like close to this level that gives them a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl 1-2-3 punch, all kinds of depth down the middle. As we know the Oilers are a team that needs help on the blueline. Should they decide to rob from Peter and pay Paul a little bit and move a forward to bring in a high-end defencemen, well, now the potential is to move a player like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doesn’t sound quite so ridiculous."
The first overall pick in the 2011 draft is one of a wealth of young forwards the Oilers have. They crave a young puck moving defenseman. Nugent-Hopkins doesn’t have quite the stats that Duchene does yet but they are getting close. He has the same $6 mil a year and is signed through 2020 and is only 22 years old. This is another trade that has been rumored many places for a long time.
He is improving all the time and is still barely able to go out with Forsberg and legally get a drink. They and Seth Jones could be the cornerstone of this franchise along with Roman Josi for years to come.
Next: A Veteran for Potential