San Jose Sharks' forward Luke Kunin drawing interest from the Edmonton Oilers

In the most recent 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman suggested that the Edmonton Oilers have a standing interest in San Jose Sharks forward Luke Kunin. With the trade deadline just nine days away, the Oilers might have hesitated to wait for the trade deadline to bring in the 26-year-old forward. We're still expecting a purge of the organization, and despite nothing being moved off the active roster yet, signs point to seismic activity between now and the deadline.

Kunin has recorded eight goals and two helpers on the season for ten points. While that will not net the Sharks a monster return to send a rebuild into turbo drive, it's respectable for a forward who plays hockey to hit anything that moves. That physical aspect of Kunin will make him a substantial addition for whoever wants to pick him up ahead of the trade deadline, whether that is the Oilers or whoever else is yet to be seen.

Kunin could net the Sharks a late-round pick on his own since he does retain his restricted free-agent status at the end of the season. Injuries derailed him last year, and while he's played well this year, he's not reaching the heights of his 2021-22 campaign with the Nashville Predators. But that is the idea that Kunin could go to the Oilers, which is not the only possibility.

Edmonton's team defense and goaltending issues are as old as time. Kaapo Kahonen and Mario Ferraro have come up in rumors surrounding Ken Holland's team at Rogers Place. With the salary cap in place, money would have to come back to make it work, but the Sharks could get a king's ransom. If they were to open the door to taking on Jack Campbell's contract, they could help rebuild and force the team to drop in the standings.