Three Destinations Sharks Could Trade Kaapo Kahkonen
By Conor Power
Edmonton Oilers
This one is probably a little less likely because they are a divisional rival, but the Edmonton Oilers are a team that is known to be desperate for a netminder. They have had their fair share of problems trying to keep the puck out of their net in spite of the recent renaissance of Stuart Skinner. With Calvin Pickard currently backing up in Northern Alberta, the Oilers could still be looking for a replacement.
Why this is probably more valuable for the Sharks is that there would be a good justification to ask for an extortionate amount in return if you agree to take on Jack Campbell's contract. Campbell is in year two of a five-year deal, seeing him make $5 million yearly. Eating that and playing him to try and get his value up while getting an extortionate amount in return for a netminder that you know you probably will not be able to re-sign.
Knowing what we do about the Oilers management right now, they understand that their core will not be around forever. That team needs to try and compete while it has two of the best players in the NHL. Their defense and goaltending has not been up to speed, and Kahkonen will at least give them a better option in goal. Then, taking Campbell back would give Edmonton the cap space to go and trade for another defenseman to bolster that club.
Edmonton's situation is not as urgent as New Jersey's, but the idea of being able to demand a lot appeals to me. For Kahkonen alone, maybe the 2025 third-round pick since they do not own their 2024 one, and the 2024 sixth-round pick they got from Nashville. To take Campbell too, I would be asking for the 2024 first-round pick and Philip Broberg, a defensive prospect who reportedly wants to move away from the Oilers organization.