The shiniest new toy under the Trade Deadline Christmas tree languishes on the roster of the Arizona Coyotes. He is Jakob Chychrun, a dynamic, 24-year-old puck transporting defenceman who wants out of the desert to play for a winner. 

On top of that, Chychrun’s contract — with an AAV of $4.6 million for two more seasons after this one — is remarkable value. 

A good, young, left-shot defenceman on a value contract? How could the Edmonton Oilers, a team in search of a left side, Top 4 defenceman, not give up whatever the Coyotes are asking to acquire this player — even if it costs Dylan Holloway, a first-round pick and another prospect? 

It’s a no-brainer, right? 

Yeah, not so fast… 

We’ve reported here three weeks ago that the Oilers will not go after Chychrun (we’re standing by that), but many fans and media think GM Ken Holland is making a mistake. 

Let’s dig a little deeper, starting with what it is that the Oilers truly need. 

Edmonton is third in NHL scoring, averaging 3.55 goals per game. At even strength however, they are 20th in scoring, with an offence that’s propped up by a league-leading powerplay. On their back end they already have Tyson Barrie, Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, three D-men with offensive and puck transporting abilities.