Why the Oilers shouldn’t trade Warren Foegele before the NHL trade deadline
EDMONTON — Warren Foegele showcased an outstanding performance in the Edmonton Oilers’ recent game against the Boston Bruins, despite their 6-5 overtime loss on Wednesday. His coach, Kris Knoblauch, lauded his performance as “phenomenal.”
What stood out wasn’t just Foegele’s two goals, marking the fourth time he’s achieved such a feat this season, but the manner in which he scored them — displaying determination by driving to the net.
Foegele’s role on the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman, due to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ absence, saw him driving play significantly, evidenced by a 40-8 shot-attempts advantage for the Oilers when he was on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick.
This performance could arguably be considered his best as an Oiler, which is noteworthy given his standout moments throughout the season and in his NHL career.
Foegele has now matched his career-high 13 goals and is close to surpassing his 30-point mark from his time with Carolina in 2019-20.
Despite his value to the team, Foegele’s future with the Oilers is uncertain. As a pending unrestricted free agent, there have been no discussions regarding a contract extension this season, making his $2.75 million cap hit a potential asset in trade negotiations.
While Foegele acknowledges the trade speculation, he remains focused on his performance, having learned from past experiences not to dwell on things beyond his control.
Though not indispensable given contractual and roster considerations, Foegele has certainly made a strong case for his place on the team. He has become a fixture on both special teams, a testament to his versatility and growth.
While he’s had some scoring slumps this season, Foegele’s overall contributions, both offensively and defensively, have been significant. His ability to generate offense at five-on-five is particularly commendable in a league where it’s challenging to do so.
However, with potential acquisitions on the horizon, Foegele’s future with the Oilers remains uncertain. While he hopes to remain part of the team’s plans, he understands the business aspect of hockey and is prepared for whatever decision comes his way.
Considering his career-best performance and impending free agency, retaining Foegele beyond this season might prove challenging for the Oilers.
