Rumour: Edmonton and Columbus linked in trade talks involving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

We're now under a month before the trade deadline in the NHL's shortened 2020-21 season, so it's not surprising that trade rumours are picking up. At the same time, there's no question any GOOD general manager is doing his due diligence right now and at least putting feelers out for what might be available and what the cost would be. According to one report, the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets are talking, with the potential of some recognizable names going each way.

"We hear that the Jackets are interested in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins," said Raphael Doucet , host and producer with 91.9 Sports in Montreal. "Seems like the Oilers want [Joonas] Korpisalo or [Elvis] Merzlikins in return."

It wouldn't be a bad fit for either team, although Edmonton would need more coming the other way. The Columbus Blue Jackets are desperately trying to salvage their season before it gets too far away from them. Adding Nugent-Hopkins, who has 10 goals and 23 points in 30 games so far, would be a great spark and fills a major need for a number one centre since the trade involving Pierre-Luc Dubois. I would love to at least get a look at a line with Nugent-Hopkins at centre with Patrik Laine on his wing. On the other side, Mike Smith is playing well right now for Edmonton, but he's 38 so there's no guarantee he plays after this season. Unfortunately for the Oilers, another bonifide number one goaltender doesn't appear to be in the system right now. Getting a young netminder like either of the Blue Jackets' tandem would be an excellent grab for the future. Korpisalo makes the most sense. He has more experience (149 career games) and is the "1A" to Merzlikins' "1B" at this time. He's also still just 26-years-old, inthe range when most goaltenders hit their prime.

There are a couple of reasons both the Oilers and Nugent-Hopkins might be looking to move on. Edmonton can re-sign him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, but it won't leave much, if any, room for anyone else of major significance in the offseason. Nugent-Hopkins' bargaining power isn't exactly top-notch at the moment either given the ongoing financial struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his questionable five-on-five numbers this season. With Columbus' current cap situation, they are in a position to give Nugent-Hopkins a better deal and may be more willing to do it.

TSN's Ryan Rishaug is reporting that Edmonton and Nugent-Hopkins are scheduled to sit down in the coming days to talk about a new contract after deciding not to discuss it at all once the season began. Nugent-Hopkins is 27, so he's still in his prime years at the moment. It's possible the Oilers' fan favourite will remain in Edmonton after this season, but the right prospect and other assets can get results quickly.

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