The pressure is mounting in Edmonton. After a stunning first-round playoff exit derailed what was supposed to be another Stanley Cup run, the Oilers are entering a crucial offseason with significant changes expected.
As general manager Stan Bowman searches for ways to reshape the roster around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a speedy $65 million winger has emerged as a potential trade target. The catch? Edmonton may have to fend off the New York Islanders to land him.
Oilers, Islanders Could Enter Trade Battle for $65M Winger
St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, who has five years remaining on his eight-year, $65 million contract, is bang in the middle of trade speculation this year.
After a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw him record 18 goals and 46 points in 72 games, and even spend time as a healthy scratch, many around the league view Kyrou as a strong candidate for a fresh start elsewhere.
With Doug Armstrong set to hand over the general manager role to Alexander Steen on July 1, the Blues appear to be shifting toward a younger core, which has only fueled trade speculation surrounding the speedy winger.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently suggested the Islanders could be among the teams to watch if Kyrou becomes available.
“Before they made the Schenn trade, they talked about Robert Thomas, they talked about Jordan Kyrou. You get the sense that Thomas is off the market for the time being. It wouldn’t shock me if the Kyrou conversation re-engages… another guy good for speed that can keep up with those guys,” Pagnotta said.  Â
According to Pagnotta, the Islanders remain interested in adding more speed to their forward group. Pairing Kyrou with Mathew Barzal would give New York another dynamic offensive weapon and significantly improve their transition game.
The Oilers, however, could present an equally intriguing fit.
Kyrou is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s fastest skaters, and his speed would be a natural match in Edmonton’s up-tempo, rush-driven attack. Whether alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, Kyrou has the skill set to thrive in the Oilers’ offensive system and provide another dangerous scoring threat.
The challenge, of course, is financial. Kyrou carries an $8.125 million cap hit through 2031, a number that would be difficult for the cap-strapped Oilers to fit without moving significant salary the other way.
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If the Blues decide to move him, the race could come down to which team offers Alexander Steen the most appealing package. Whether it’s cap relief, young players, or future assets, both Edmonton and New York may have to get creative to land one of the league’s fastest forwards.
