7 top-six forwards Edmonton Oilers could target in a trade this summer
The Edmonton Oilers have done quite a bit of work this summer, but there is still one more need that should be addressed.
Getting out of Darnell Nurse’s entire contract was a handy bit of business by GM Stan Bowman. That gave Edmonton the cap flexibility to bolster the defensive end and helped the team reshape its goaltending with the additions of Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi.
It appears the Oilers’ blue line is more or less set for opening night next season, and the three-goalie rotation is locked in. That leaves just the forward group left to tinker with, and Edmonton could use another big fish at the top of the lineup.
Re-signing Kasperi Kapanen was a decent depth move, but it doesn’t really move the needle all that much for the Oilers. With Jack Roslovic leaving the team in free agency, Bowman will need to look for another winger who can plug-and-play with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in the top six.
Edmonton was reportedly interested in Claude Giroux before he returned to the Ottawa Senators, meaning that the Oilers are actively searching for another forward. Vladimir Tarasenko could be another UFA option, but it’s looking more likely that the trade route could be the way to go.
There is no shortage of top-six wingers who could shake loose on the trade market, and these seven players could pique Edmonton’s interest over the next month or so…
1. Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 33
2025-26 stats: 24 G, 24 A, 48 PTS, 60 GP
Cap hit: $5 million (UFA-2028)
The Oilers seem to have had interest in Rakell for a few seasons now.
The 33-year-old is on the older side, but has continued to be a productive top-line winger for a so-so Penguins team. Rakell is a good goal-scorer and possesses a deadly shot, and is one year removed from a 35-goal, 70-point season.
He’s also not a massive investment, with just two more years left on his deal.
2. Owen Tippett, Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 27
2025-26 stats: 28 G, 23 A, 51 PTS, 81 GP
Cap hit: $6.2 million (UFA-2032)
If Owen Tippett shakes loose, the Oilers should be breaking down Philadelphia’s door to acquire him.
There may not be a player that fits Edmonton’s needs as much as Tippett, who has turned into a consistent goal-scorer with a lethal shot. He also brings a lot of speed to his game, and is in the prime of his career, making him a perfect fit in the Oilers top-six.
The issue here would be Philadelphia’s asking price, which is sure to be sky-high.
3. Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
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Age: 29
2025-26 stats: 23 G, 19 A, 42 PTS, 81 GP
Cap hit: $5.5 million (UFA-2031)
Jake DeBrusk may be on the way out as the Vancouver Canucks embark on their rebuild.
The hometown boy would certainly make headlines if he found his way back to Edmonton, and it honestly makes a lot of sense. DeBrusk notched 23 goals on a terrible Canucks team and is a good bet to improve on those totals on a better Oilers squad.
His contract is a bit of a risk to take on, but the Canucks could be willing to retain.
4. Jared McCann, Seattle Kraken
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Age: 30
2025-26 stats: 20 G, 20 A, 40 PTS, 52 GP
Cap hit: $5 million (UFA-2027)
The Seattle Kraken are taking calls on Jared McCann, and the Oilers should be picking up the phone.
He’s turned into a perennial 20-goal scorer and has notched at least 60 points in three of the past four seasons. Last season was a bit of a down year for McCann, but he was limited to just 52 games.
There is no doubt he’d be able to step right into Edmonton’s top-six.
5. Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 28
2025-26 stats: 41 G, 44 A, 85 PTS, 82 GP
Cap hit: $7.875 million (UFA-2027)
Alex DeBrincat is easily the highest-scoring player on this list.
A few rumours have swirled around the Detroit Red Wings potentially moving him as he enters the last year of his deal. He is a former OHL teammate of McDavid and is one of the deadliest goal scorers in the entire NHL, making him a perfect fit for Edmonton.
Detroit is under no pressure to get this deal done this summer; however, he may be one of the trade deadline’s biggest prizes next season.
6. Alexis Lafrenière, New York Rangers
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Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 24 G, 33A, 57 PTS, 82 GP
Cap hit: $7.45 million (UFA-2032)
Who knows what the New York Rangers are doing?
It seems like they want to compete, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from popping up around former first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière. He hasn’t lived up to his high expectations, but he is still a very good top-six forward.
He’s already been locked down to a long-term deal, and his mix of skill and size could entice Edmonton if he’s made available.
7. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
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Age: 29
2025-26 stats: 22 G, 26 A, 48 PTS, 75 GP
Cap hit: $7.25 million (UFA-2032)
Another part of the Canucks’ teardown that could interest the Oilers in Brock Boeser.
Edmonton was in on Boeser when he hit free agency last summer, and it’s hard to believe their interest has waned after just one year. He’s another one of those perennial 20-goal scorers and had a decent year with the bottom-feeding Canucks.
Boeser has all the skill in the world and a deadly shot to go along with it. You’d have to think the Canucks’ asking price would mostly comprise of futures as well.