The Edmonton Oilers’ trade deadline approach was already complicated because of the ongoing Evander Kane trade saga.
It turns out the franchise's plans might have been further complicated by new revelations regarding no-move clauses (NMCs) present on two of their high-salary players.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast that forward Viktor Arvidsson has an NMC in his deal, and later shared on X that Adam Henrique also has one, both of those developments limiting Edmonton’s ability to move salary and make roster adjustments.
“While it’s not out there on the public sites, Viktor Arvidsson does indeed have a full no-movement clause,” Friedman said.
“Henrique has one too… not sure if both years, but definitely now,” Friedman reported.
These clauses, previously undisclosed, eliminate two potential trade options for the Oilers as long as the players don't facilitate a move by waiving the NMCs in their contracts.
According to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, Edmonton had been targeting multiple positions but now faces an even tougher path to making meaningful additions with limited assets to send the other way.
“My sense on Oilers deadline targets: #4/5 LS (left-side) defenseman, a forward to compete for a spot in top 6, and a #4 C/PK (center/penalty-killer),” Rishaug wrote. “Keep in mind if the Kane money isn’t available, they’re basically dollar in dollar out at the deadline which makes all this very tricky.
”Unless they can find a deal and trade Kane before the deadline.”
Kane, who recently submitted a 16-team approved trade list, per Friedman, had been viewed as the Oilers’ best chance to create cap flexibility. However, his uncertain injury status and a "disagreement" on his return timeline add another layer of difficulty to the Oilers' situation.
Friedman emphasized that while Edmonton may still explore trades, the team’s options are now extremely limited.
“This certainly increases the difficulty level of this year’s trade deadline,” Friedman said. “Considering the Oilers’ cap situation, this is less than ideal.”
With only Corey Perry among Edmonton’s forwards making over $1 million while not having any trade protection in his contract, the Oilers have few ways to clear space unless Kane is moved before Friday's deadline.
