The Detroit Red Wings are heading into the 2022-23 season with a lot of optimism. General manager (GM) Steve Yzerman went on a shopping spree this summer, and the team is looking a lot better on paper because of it. Yet, with the Red Wings still having over $9 million of cap space to work with, they are in a position where they could still add to their roster before autumn comes around.

When looking at teams around the league that Yzerman should consider calling, it’s clear that the Edmonton Oilers stand out. It wouldn’t hurt them to move out some salary, and that’s especially true if they want to make another big splash before the start of the season. There are three specific Oilers who the Red Wings would be wise to pursue. Let’s look at why this is the case.

Jesse Puljujarvi

Jesse Puljujarvi has been viewed by many as a potential trade candidate from the Oilers this offseason. Ryan Rishaug of TSN even reported last month that “as many as four teams” were showing interest in the 2016 first-round pick. Yet, a deal has still not come to fruition, and there’s potential that the 24-year-old could remain with the Oilers for the start of the 2022-23 season. However, I believe that Yzerman should do all he can to make Puljujarvi become a Red Wing.

Although Puljujarvi has yet to cement himself as a top-six forward at the NHL level, he took a notable step in the right direction in 2021-22. In 65 games on the season with the Oilers, he scored 14 goals and recorded a career-high 36 points. Adding that kind of production to the Detroit’s middle six would be big for them, and it could allow them to compete with their Atlantic Division rivals. This is especially true if the former top prospect can take that next step offensively moving forward.

To acquire Puljujarvi, the Red Wings would likely need to part ways with a second-round pick and mid-tier prospect. Overall, it would be a pretty notable price to pay, but if Puljujarvi can become a legitimate top-six winger, it would make the move worthwhile.