Oilers Rumors: Edmonton Eyeing Blue Jackets Blueliner

The Edmonton Oilers have been on a roll, now on an eight-game win streak in which they've surrendered just 1.75 goals per game. But that doesn't mean the team isn't looking for more defensive help. According to Sportsnet's latest trade board, the Oilers are "keeping an eye on" Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Boqvist.

The 23-year-old just returned to the lineup this past week after a 13-game absence due to a shoulder strain. He immediately notched two assists in his first game back, and went right back to being relied on for close to 20 minutes a night of ice time on the Jackets' blue line. Overall, in 15 games this season, he has five assists and a plus-2 rating. 

Boqvist a former Top-10 selection in the NHL Entry Draft (No. 8 overall, 2018, Chicago Blackhawks). He was expected to fall to No. 10 for the Oilers in that draft, but when he wasn't available, they took Evan Bouchard, which has worked out just fine, thank you. 

As for Boqvist, he hasn't quite lived up to that Top-10 pedigree in the pros just yet, partially due to a continued series of injuries. He has yet to play more than 52 games in a season, in this his 5th year in the league. He has one more season after this one on a $2.6 million cap hit (after which he'll be a restricted free agent). 

The Blue Jackets are said to be looking to unload a defenseman on the trade market this season, and whether it's Boqvist or Andrew Peeke remains to be seen. Peeke has two years left at a $2.75M cap hit. 

The Oilers have been tied to other defensive trade possibilities as well this season, so things could go in a number of directions ahead of the March 8th deadline. 

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