The Edmonton Oilers' 2016-17 season was a resounding success, and while it was likely just the beginning of a run of excellence that, for the moment, deserves to be savored by fans and personnel alike, there are question marks on the roster that need to be addressed.
One of the biggest concerns is the future of some veteran Oilers, namely Jordan Eberle, who, after a goalless playoff performance, didn't do much to save face in the eyes of his coach.
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl proving to be capable of carrying the offensive load for Edmonton, and Jesse Puljujarvi waiting in the weeds, perhaps this is the offseason Oilers' brass puts a deal in motion to part with the 26-year-old Eberle.
Here are three candidates for his services:
Carolina Hurricanes
General manager Ron Francis says his club is open for business, and the Hurricanes appear a few steps away from sustained prominence in the Eastern Conference.
Carolina owns six picks in the first three rounds in June's draft, as well as several young defensemen and promising prospects in development. They're a buyer's dream.
Eberle's $6-million cap hit fits easily into the Hurricanes' books, and his experience and skill could help a youthful attack in Raleigh.
New Jersey Devils
(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)
It probably wouldn't take long for Peter Chiarelli to dig up Ray Shero's phone number.
After sending former Oilers winger Taylor Hall to the Devils last summer, reuniting Eberle with his former linemate could work.
The Devils need a bounce-back season from Cory Schneider, and some help on defense, but they only managed 180 goals last season - good for 28th in the NHL. Adding Eberle - along with whoever they choose at No. 1 overall - could surely help rectify the club's offensive woes.
Like Carolina, New Jersey has plenty of cap space and additional draft picks to dangle as trade bait, and who knows, maybe a sign-and-trade sending Ilya Kovalchuk to Alberta would be in the cards.
Florida Panthers
The Panthers need a top-six winger, plain and simple.
Although we all love him, the future of 45-year-old Jaromir Jagr is unpredictable, and the same can be said for Jussi Jokinen, who saw a 32-point drop-off in production last season.
Florida was decimated by injuries to key pieces up front last season, derailing any hopes of matching, or improving upon, its playoff berth and division title from 2015-16.
Adding Eberle would provide an extra weapon in what's already a deep attack when healthy, and can help ease the load on Florida's veterans for a more balanced offensive game plan.
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