Edmonton Oilers forward Viktor Arvidsson, who possesses a no-move clause in his contract, is reportedly open to a trade if the right deal can be found. This development comes after a season where the fit between Arvidsson and the Oilers didn't quite materialize as hoped.

Sportsnet and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers to find a suitable trade. Despite having significant control over his destination due to the no-move clause, Arvidsson recognizes that his time in Edmonton may be coming to an end. Friedman noted on the "32 Thoughts" podcast that, "In Edmonton I think Arvidsson and the Oilers… it just didn't work, it's time to move on…he has control, but I think he's going to work with them."

The Oilers signed Arvidsson last summer with the expectation that he would be a top-nine forward and potentially mesh well with Leon Draisaitl on the team's second line. He signed a two-year, $4 million per year contract. However, his production fell short of expectations, as he scored only 15 goals and 27 points. He was also a healthy scratch multiple times during the playoffs, where he contributed two goals and seven points in 15 games.

Arvidsson's willingness to consider a trade suggests that he desires a more regular role on a contending team. For the Oilers, moving Arvidsson would free up valuable cap space and allow them to address other needs, such as upgrading their goaltending, signing Evan Bouchard, and potentially re-signing Corey Perry, Kasperi Kapanen, Trent Frederic and Connor Brown.

However, finding a trade partner for Arvidsson may not be easy. It remains unclear which teams might be interested in acquiring him and what the Oilers could expect in return. Given Arvidsson's contract and performance last season, the Oilers may have to settle for a salary cap trade, where they prioritize shedding his salary without expecting significant assets in return.

The Oilers have approximately $13 million in salary cap space heading into next season, but with Bouchard due for a significant raise, General Manager Stan Bowman will need to manage the team's finances carefully. Trading Arvidsson would provide additional flexibility to address other roster needs.

In addition to Arvidsson, the Oilers are also reportedly exploring trade options for Evander Kane, who has a 16-team trade list as part of his contract. Moving either Kane or Arvidsson would create more cap space for Bowman to work with. The Oilers also have several unrestricted free agents to consider, including Frederic, Brown, Jeff Skinner, Kapanen, Perry, and John Klingberg.

The willingness of Viktor Arvidsson to consider a trade, despite his no-move clause, presents an opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers to address their salary cap situation and potentially improve their roster. However, finding the right trade partner and maximizing the return for Arvidsson will be a challenge for General Manager Stan Bowman.