Oilers Trade Package for Lucas Raymond — Would You Accept?
The Detroit Red Wings have had a brutal stretch — arguably the worst organizational turbulence in the league over the last few months. Their captain, Dylan Larkin, requested a trade and was stripped of the “C.” Steve Yzerman was quietly moved into a Senior Advisor role.
Detroit gets a strong future package: a second‑round pick in the upcoming draft, followed by first‑rounders in 2028 and 2029. If McDavid leaves before 2029, that pick becomes extremely valuable.
Isaac Howard is the centerpiece. A former first‑rounder coming off an AHL All‑Star rookie season, he looks ready to explode at the NHL level. In Detroit, he’d get top‑six minutes immediately.
Trent Frederic adds reliable depth and is signed to a reasonable deal. He’s been one of Edmonton’s best depth forwards this season. Spencer Stastney gives Detroit another young defender — important if Edvinsson is moved.
For Edmonton, the payoff is massive. They get a bona fide top‑line right winger in his prime. Raymond could play with McDavid or Draisaitl and help solidify a top‑six built around Matt Savoie, Hyman, and Vasily Podkolzin. His arrival pushes Nugent‑Hopkins down the lineup and onto PP2, giving Edmonton more firepower throughout the roster.
Detroit might ask for Matt Savoie instead of one of the picks. Edmonton would listen — but the draft capital would change.
Comparable Deals
The closest comparable is Brady Tkachuk’s blockbuster to Florida: three firsts and a second. Tkachuk scores less than Raymond but brings a physical edge teams covet. He’s also three years older. Both players are signed to team‑friendly deals at nearly identical money.
Edmonton’s offer is essentially three firsts, a second, and two roster players who help Detroit now and later. It’s a big package — but other teams would absolutely be in the mix if Raymond hits the market.
Mason McTavish went for two firsts at the last draft. He’s younger and cheaper, but he doesn’t produce like Raymond. The extra value here makes sense.
Why It Works For Both Teams
Detroit gets futures, a young NHL‑ready scorer in Howard, and depth pieces to stabilize the roster. They move Raymond before a potential trade request and before any no‑trade clauses kick in. It’s a clean pivot into a rebuild that aligns with everything else happening: Larkin out, Edvinsson out, and a new GM structure.
Edmonton extends their window and adds a young star who helps keep McDavid in Edmonton. It’s an all‑in move, but one that helps immediately and long‑term. Stan Bowman has shown he can find talent outside the draft — the Oilers would need to keep doing that.
Both teams get exactly what they need. Edmonton pushes for a Cup. Detroit resets with a massive haul.
The deal works — and it might be the move that finally forces Detroit to make real changes.
