With 12 games to go in the 2021-22 season, things are going pretty well for the Edmonton Oilers. They have won four straight games to improve to 40-25-5, and as a result sit just one point shy of the Los Angeles Kings for second in the Pacific Division. Despite the great play as of late, however, their season has been far from perfect.

After starting out the 2021-22 campaign with a 16-5-0 record, they went into a massive skid, which not only saw them fall out of a playoff spot, but resulted in the firing of head coach Dave Tippett. They since have righted the ship with Jay Woodcroft at the helm, but it became evident that despite the top talent this team has, there are still holes in this roster. Unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of cap space for general manager Ken Holland to address that this summer, meaning some trades may be necessary. Here are three that he may look to move in the offseason.

Zack Kassian

Since signing a four-year, $12.8 million extension back in January 2020, Kassian has been a major disappointment for the Oilers. He has gone from a player who brought the energy on a nightly basis, to one that struggles to make an impact far too often. He was recently scratched in two straight games by Woodcroft due to his inconsistent and non-engaging play.

Through 46 games this season, Kassian has managed just five goals and 16 points. Even worse is that this season comes after a 2020-21 campaign in which he registered two goals and five points in 27 contests.

It is almost a foregone conclusion that Kassian will be wearing a different sweater next season, as his $3.2 million cap hit is far too much for a cap strapped team like the Oilers. The hope is that a team is willing to take on his deal, but if not, a buyout may be necessary. If that does end up being the case, it would save them a little over $2.53 million in cap space for the 2022-23 season.