The Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial offseason after falling short of the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year. General Manager Stan Bowman is under pressure to make strategic moves to bolster the team's roster while navigating a complex salary cap situation. One potential solution that has emerged is acquiring a top-six forward who can provide additional scoring punch. Could Jordan Kyrou, the St. Louis Blues' leading scorer, be the answer?
Kyrou's name has recently surfaced in trade rumors, with his no-trade clause kicking in on July 1st adding a sense of urgency to any potential deal. The 27-year-old winger is coming off a solid season, tallying 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points in 82 games. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 35 goals and 71 points, showcasing his offensive capabilities. However, the Blues might be inclined to move him as they find themselves in a transitional phase and believe that prospect Jimmy Snuggerud can fill Kyrou's role effectively.
From the Oilers' perspective, adding Kyrou could provide a significant boost to their top-six forward group. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain the team's offensive drivers, the Oilers need consistent secondary scoring to become a true Stanley Cup contender. Trading for Kyrou would mean adding another player who can produce offensively and take some of the pressure off the two superstars.
However, acquiring Kyrou would not be without its challenges. His contract carries an $8.125 million average annual value (AAV) through the 2030-31 season, representing a substantial financial commitment. The Oilers are already facing a tight cap situation, and adding Kyrou's salary would require some maneuvering. The recent trade of Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks freed up $5.125 million in cap space. Viktor Arvidsson could be traded to free up another $4 million. In addition to acquiring support players, Bowman also needs to re-sign Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid.
Several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Islanders, are rumored to be interested in Kyrou, which could drive up the price for the Oilers. Edmonton only has three picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, so they may have to part with valuable roster players or future assets to acquire him. The Blues may ask for young players or draft picks in return for Kyrou.
Another factor to consider is Kyrou's performance in the playoffs. While he is a proven scorer in the regular season, his production has sometimes dipped in the postseason. In the Blues' recent playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets, Kyrou recorded just three points in seven games. The Oilers need players who can perform under pressure in the playoffs, so Kyrou's past playoff performances could be a concern.
Ultimately, whether or not the Oilers pursue a trade for Kyrou will depend on Bowman's assessment of the player's fit with the team, his ability to make the cap space work, and the asking price from the Blues. Acquiring Kyrou would undoubtedly be a high-risk, high-reward move that could significantly impact the Oilers' chances of contending for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming seasons.
