It’s no secret the Edmonton Oilers are looking for an upgrade on defense ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. It’s also not a shocking development that the New York Rangers are in a position where they’re looking to make a trade that would shake up their roster and turn around their nose-diving season. But would the Rangers really consider trading Adam Fox? Do the Edmonton Oilers have the pieces to acquire him?
One writer seemed to think so.
Brennan McClain of Pro Hockey Rumors cited an article by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, as the NHL analysis listed Ivan Provorov, David Savard, and Brian Dumoulin as potential targets for the Oiler. McClain then took things another big step. He noted:
“Edmonton should be able to acquire any of the aforementioned trade candidates but another fish may become available closer to the deadline. It’s becoming apparent the New York Rangers are headed toward a complex roster retooling after a 5-15-0 record in their last 20 games. Does former Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox make sense for the Oilers?”
Fox would be an ideal fit for the Oilers in terms of skill, age, and need, but acquiring him would be a significant challenge.
The one thing this writer got correct is that both sides would have to get creative to make this deal work. As good as he is, Fox’s $9.5 million salary for the next five years is a monster. It’s fair value for Fox, but it’s a tight squeeze for Edmonton.
The other thing this writer accurately noted was that Fox is in a position where he can be traded now without the Rangers needing permission. As of next season, Fox will see a full no-movement clause kick in. He’ll have total control of if he’s traded and where.
Would the Rangers Really Trade Fox?
Author’s Note: This Isn’t a Trade That Makes Logical Sense
It seems like an incredibly long shot for the Rangers to consider trading Fox. As bad as things might get in New York, to move their top defenseman, especially after already trading Jacob Trouba and with talk that other players might be on the move, would represent a full-scale rebuild and roster teardown.
Only one player on the Rangers’ roster represents the future of the team more than Fox — Igor Shesterkin. Trading Fox would be akin to the Rangers being open to trading Shesterkin.
The package suggested by this writer includes “Evander Kane’s contract, Jeff Skinner’s expiring deal, prospect Matthew Savoie, and their 2027 first-round pick.” That’s a lot of pieces, but to thing the Rangers would want Kane and Skinner as part of this deal is also a stretch. It helps make the money work, but there will be better packages offered by other teams if Fox becomes available.
Not only that but both Skinner and Kane have no-move clauses in their contract. It seems unlikely either would want to join a team tearing it down.
