Jordan Eberle Emerges as Potential Trade Target for Oilers Seeking Experienced Winger to Support McDavid or Draisaitl’s Offense
Jordan Eberle may be a suitable winger trade target to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, and the possibility of a reunion between the veteran forward and the Edmonton Oilers is gaining traction within league circles. As the Oilers look to build upon their deep playoff run and address their lingering need for proven, consistent offensive depth, Eberle’s name has surfaced as a realistic option—both due to his skill set and his familiarity with the organization.
Eberle, now 35, has enjoyed a steady, productive career since being drafted 22nd overall by Edmonton in the 2008 NHL Draft. He spent the first seven seasons of his NHL tenure with the Oilers, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise during a period of turmoil and rebuild. Though the team struggled to find postseason success during that era, Eberle was a reliable offensive presence, recording multiple 20+ goal seasons and serving as a key member of their top six.
His trade to the New York Islanders in 2017 was, at the time, a necessary move as Edmonton sought to reconfigure its roster around a then-emerging McDavid. But time has a way of softening edges, and the Oilers now find themselves in a vastly different situation—one where Eberle’s experience, versatility, and leadership might be exactly what the team needs to get over the championship hump.
Currently with the Seattle Kraken, Eberle remains an effective winger. In the 2024–25 season, he posted 49 points in 79 games, including 20 goals—a mark he’s hit or exceeded nine times in his career. His style of play, characterized by intelligent positioning, soft hands, and an ability to read the game, aligns well with what Edmonton needs: a veteran who can finish, contribute on the power play, and slot into different line combinations without disrupting chemistry. Eberle’s right-handed shot and comfort on both wings also add a layer of tactical flexibility.
The notion of Eberle reuniting with McDavid or playing alongside Draisaitl isn’t just nostalgic; it’s strategic. McDavid thrives when paired with intelligent, puck-savvy linemates who can keep up with his pace of play and finish the chances he creates. While Eberle no longer possesses the straight-line speed he had in his twenties, his hockey IQ has never diminished. He doesn’t need to be the fastest player on the ice if he knows where to be, and McDavid’s ability to manipulate defenders could open up high-danger areas for Eberle to exploit.
Similarly, Draisaitl, with his elite puck control and vision, would benefit from a winger like Eberle who understands spacing and timing. Eberle’s ability to play a supporting role while contributing meaningful offense makes him a natural fit for either of Edmonton’s superstar centers, and his postseason experience adds intangible value. He has appeared in 80 career playoff games, producing 14 goals and 39 points, including clutch performances for the Islanders during their recent deep runs.
From a financial perspective, acquiring Eberle would require some maneuvering but is not out of reach. He carries a $5.5 million cap hit for one more season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. For a cap-tight team like Edmonton, this could be a blessing in disguise—a short-term commitment that addresses an immediate need without tying up future flexibility. Depending on the return Seattle would demand, a deal could potentially be structured around salary retention or the inclusion of a mid-tier prospect to offset cap concerns.
Seattle’s willingness to move Eberle would hinge on several factors. The Kraken are in a transition phase themselves, blending young talent with a core of veterans. If General Manager Ron Francis decides to lean into a more youth-focused approach, parting with Eberle could serve that vision while netting assets for the future. Conversely, if Seattle views Eberle as a necessary leadership presence for their younger players, the asking price could increase significantly, potentially including a second-round pick or a promising prospect.
For the Oilers, the timing could not be more critical. After falling short in the Stanley Cup Final, the organization is operating with a sense of urgency. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the prime of their careers, the front office understands that the window for contention is open—but not indefinitely. General Manager Ken Holland and his staff are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of reliable wingers who can produce now, not just down the line. In that context, Eberle represents a lower-risk option with immediate upside.
Adding Eberle would also bring a veteran voice to a locker room that has grown but could benefit from more playoff-hardened leadership. While the core has gained experience in recent years, having someone like Eberle—who has been through the ups and downs of NHL postseason battles—can only help. He brings a level-headed demeanor, professionalism, and a quiet competitive edge that could reinforce Edmonton’s internal culture.
Another intriguing aspect is Eberle’s potential role on special teams. Though he may no longer be a fixture on the top power play unit, his ability to operate along the half-wall or in the bumper position makes him a useful option for the second unit, especially in a league where secondary scoring often dictates playoff outcomes. His presence could stabilize Edmonton’s depth and make their attack more multidimensional.
Beyond the on-ice benefits, there is also a compelling narrative aspect to consider. Eberle’s return to Edmonton would resonate with fans and bring his career full circle. Drafted as a franchise savior during the Oilers’ lean years, he endured the growing pains of a rebuilding team, often serving as one of the few bright spots. While his departure initially stung, a second chapter could allow both player and team to rewrite the ending—with a shared goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
Of course, nothing in the NHL is ever simple, and several variables must align for this move to materialize. The Oilers would likely need to move salary—perhaps parting ways with a player like Warren Foegele or Brett Kulak—to make room for Eberle under the cap. Seattle, for their part, may wish to keep Eberle through the trade deadline in hopes that his value rises. Still, the ingredients for a deal are present, and as the offseason progresses, the pressure on Edmonton to finalize their roster will only intensify.
There’s also the question of whether Eberle would waive any trade protections, though there’s no indication at this time that he wouldn’t be open to a reunion with the Oilers. Players of his caliber and experience often prioritize competitiveness and fit when weighing potential moves, and the opportunity to play alongside McDavid or Draisaitl on a contending team would be enticing. Moreover, returning to a city where he remains fondly remembered could add emotional incentive.
It’s worth noting that Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is known for his ability to integrate veteran players into structured systems while maximizing their specific strengths. Eberle, a cerebral player with a strong sense of positioning and timing, would likely adapt quickly to Knoblauch’s schemes. The coaching staff would have multiple deployment options for Eberle, whether in a top-six role or as a stabilizing force on the third line, depending on matchups and chemistry.
In the broader context of Edmonton’s offseason strategy, Eberle represents the kind of move that bridges ambition with pragmatism. While flashy blockbuster deals often dominate headlines, championship teams are typically built on smart, targeted acquisitions that fill specific gaps. Eberle’s offensive consistency, leadership qualities, and familiarity with the market position him as a tailor-made addition for a team on the brink of something special.
The Oilers don’t need to overhaul their roster. They need to sharpen it—to polish the edges and reinforce the weak points exposed during their playoff journey. Bringing back Jordan Eberle wouldn’t be a nostalgic whim; it would be a calculated step toward solidifying a lineup already capable of greatness. With one year left on his deal and plenty of motivation to chase a Stanley Cup, Eberle might just be the perfect veteran to help Edmonton finish what they started.
As training camp looms and trade chatter intensifies, the Oilers’ front office must decide how to best support their superstars and capitalize on the momentum they’ve built. The opportunity to reunite with Jordan Eberle is not without challenges, but the potential rewards—on and off the ice—are difficult to ignore. If Edmonton is serious about winning now, rekindling the Eberle era could be the move that brings everything full circle—and finally delivers the Stanley Cup parade the city has long awaited.
