Bold NHL trade rumours are already swirling around the Edmonton Oilers following their poor playoff performance against the Anaheim Ducks. NHL insider Jeff Marek stirred the hockey world, suggesting Edmonton could throw a monster offer sheet at Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev this offseason.After another great season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Dorofeyev is one of the NHL’s fastest-rising scorers. As the Oilers search for offensive depth and roster upgrades, the buzz about a possible blockbuster trade is heating up ahead of NHL free agency.
Pavel Dorofeyev emerges during Edmonton Oilers NHL offer sheet speculation
The playoff performances and his regular scoring pace for the Vegas Golden Knights make Pavel Dorofeyev an appealing target.The 25-year-old winger recently finished off another productive NHL season, scoring more than 35 goals for the second straight season. He also became one of the top postseason scorers in the league, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous offensive player who could change games in a hurry.In fact, Jeff Marek said an aggressive offer-sheet strategy to get Dorofeyev could be something the Edmonton Oilers might consider. If the Golden Knights are to give Karlsson a deal in the $12 million-a-year range for two years, it would be a tough spot, salary-cap-wise, reports suggest.The proposed move would likely mean that Edmonton would have to give up multiple high draft picks if the Vegas Golden Knights decline to match the deal.After a disappointing Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oilers are heading into a pivotal offseason. Expectations remain high around Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the organization’s championship aspirations with back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in recent years.A younger scorer like Dorofeyev could provide some additional scoring support to keep Edmonton competitive in the Western Conference.But the rumoured hunt still carries a huge risk.But a big deal could put long-term salary cap pressure on the Edmonton Oilers, especially with several pricey contracts on the roster. It would also cost the organization valuable draft assets that could alter roster flexibility down the line.However, NHL insiders believe those concerns could mean Edmonton needs to make aggressive moves to maximise its championship window. The Vegas Golden Knights are under contract pressure in other roster moves, meaning Dorofeyev could be one of the bigger storylines of the NHL offseason.
