Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to spend the offseason searching for more speed and scoring on the wing. Adding a player who can complement Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl has reportedly become one of general manager Stan Bowman’s top priorities.
One name that continues to surface in speculation is a St. Louis Blues winger tied down to a $65 million deal who appears to be on the outside looking in.
Blues Hold Firm on $65M Forward Amid Oilers Trade Rumors
Jordan Kyrou has emerged as a popular name in offseason rumors after a somewhat disappointing campaign in which he recorded 18 goals and 46 points. The speedy winger still has four years remaining on his eight-year, $65 million contract.
Despite the speculation, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong indicated that it is far too early for serious trade discussions.
When asked about trade interest involving Kyrou, Jordan Binnington, Robert Thomas, and Colton Parayko, Armstrong said, “That’s a June 20 question, not a June 1 question. People don’t make decisions this early. Even if I wanted to answer that question, I couldn’t because nobody knows. It’s three (more) weeks before it gets serious.”
Armstrong pointed out that teams are still gathering information and evaluating options, making it difficult to determine which players are genuinely being targeted around the league.
He also made it clear that incoming executive Alex Steen will have a major voice in any significant roster decisions moving forward.
“I don’t want to say Alex has the ‘final’ say, because I don’t know if we ever have a final say, but his input on that is greater than mine,” said Armstrong. “Any roster decisions of that magnitude, the questions from (other general) managers will run through me, but the answers will run through Alex.”
Even if St. Louis eventually becomes open to moving Kyrou, the asking price would be substantial.
Reports suggest the Blues view him as a premium asset and would likely seek a package that includes a first-round pick, a top prospect, and another valuable roster piece. That’s a hefty price for any team, especially for a player coming off a down season.
For Edmonton, the challenge goes beyond the trade package.
The Oilers have limited salary cap flexibility, and fitting Kyrou’s $8.125 million cap hit would require significant roster surgery. One possibility frequently mentioned is finding a way to move Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million AAV contract, though that would be easier said than done.
Even if the two teams were able to agree on a deal, Kyrou would still have the final say. His full no-trade clause gives him complete control over any potential destination.
ALSO READ: Montreal Canadiens Insider Pumps the Brakes on Box-Office Connor McDavid Rumor
For now, the Blues appear content to hold onto one of their most talented forwards. Trade rumors may continue to swirl, but St. Louis isn’t showing any urgency to make a move just yet, especially in an offseason where the trade market is expected to be booming.
