3 Top-Six Forwards the Oilers Could Trade For

The Edmonton Oilers have plenty of areas they would like to upgrade this offseason. First and foremost is goaltending, as they will need a strong tandem option for Tristan Jarry. On top of that, the blue line would certainly benefit from an upgrade or two.

The issue is that the Oilers don’t have a ton of cap space, which will limit what areas they are able to improve upon. From the sounds of things, they may first look to address their issues up front, as they also desperately need a top-six scoring winger.

Last Wednesday, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer wrote on X that the team needs to target a true top-six forward in a trade. He also mentioned that the player could be one who is potentially on the outs with their respective organization. Given that it’s coming from Stauffer, it’s safe to presume this is something the Oilers brass is strongly focusing on as they begin their offseason.

The reason Stauffer mentions targeting such a forward via trade is that this year’s free-agent class is very watered down. There are very few top-six options set to become available, and the few who are will likely be in line for an overpayment, something the Oilers cannot afford to do. With that said, here are three top-six forwards they could look to bring in.

Jordan Kyrou

Following Stauffer’s tweet, Oilers fans immediately started mentioning Jordan Kyrou. The highly-skilled 28-year-old is expected to be traded by the St. Louis Blues this offseason as they are beginning to head in a different direction. He struggled in 2025-26 with 18 goals and 46 points, but has recorded 70 or more points in three seasons to date.

Kyrou does have a full no-trade clause, though it sounds like he would be willing to waive it for the right fit. One would assume the Oilers fall into that category given that they will be Stanley Cup contenders once again next season. The biggest issue from Edmonton’s end could come down to the salary cap.

Kyrou has five seasons remaining on a contract that carries a $8.125 million cap hit. Any type of move for Kyrou would have to involve Matt Savoie, though he alone wouldn’t be enough. The Oilers’ first-round pick in 2028 would undoubtedly have to be included as well. It’s a big price to pay, and one the Blues may not even be willing to accept. Regardless, it’s worth looking into for GM Stan Bowman.

Jake DeBrusk

After a disastrous 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Canucks are entering a full rebuild. As a result, Jake DeBrusk’s name has been discussed plenty as a potential trade candidate. You may recall that the Oilers were thought of as a potential destination for the 29-year-old as a free agent in 2024. He instead wound up signing a seven-year deal with the Canucks that carries a $5.5 million cap hit.

Though DeBrusk is far from an elite offensive producer, he was able to hit the 20-goal mark for the fifth time in his career this past season. He would certainly be worthy of a top-six role in Edmonton, and wouldn’t cost as much as Kyrou. In this scenario, the Oilers would likely have to include Isaac Howard as the main piece going the other way.

Alexis Lafreniere

At some point, you would have to imagine the New York Rangers move off of Alexis Lafreniere. The 24-year-old has had his moments, but hasn’t turned into the superstar many predicted he would become when he was selected first overall in 2020.

Despite Lafreniere’s career not panning out yet as expected, he’s still produced at a decent clip. This past season saw him score 24 goals and 57 points for a Rangers team that struggled immensely throughout the 2025-26 campaign. A change in scenery could allow for him to turn into the player he was touted as being.

Much like Kyrou, the Rangers certainly won’t be giving Lafreniere away for nothing. This potential trade scenario would once again have to involve Matt Savoie, as well as the Oilers’ 2028 first-round pick. That still may not be enough, meaning another pick or prospect such as Beau Akey would need to be included as well.

Bowman Will Have to Get Creative

Though it won’t be easy, Oilers general manager (GM) Stan Bowman needs to figure out a way to bring in a top-six winger capable of providing offence. This team has once again become too reliant on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and needs another producer to help take some of the pressure off their shoulders. If Bowman fails to do so, it could be another frustrating season ahead in Edmonton.