According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, he believes the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks have the pieces worked out and a trade in the chamber that would see the Oilers land Patrick Kane in a blockbuster deal. Spector writes in a recent column, “I believe neither Erik Karlsson nor Jakob Chychrun are possibilities in Edmonton.” He adds, “A home run, on this roster at this moment, is a Top 6 forward. And at the top of that list is Patrick Kane.”

Spector then goes on to write, “My sources tell me the Blackhawks would retain half of Kane’s $10.5 million salary, take Warren Foegele and Jesse Puljujarvi to make the money work, and require a first-round pick and a prospect — not Holloway or Broberg — in return.”

What Is the Delay for Both Sides?

Before we get too deep into this, it’s important to point out that Spector put this under the “things we think we know” category. That means it’s not a done deal. In fact, he already has another insider who is reporting that talks between the Oilers and San Jose Sharks are not officially off when it comes to Karlsson. Chris Johnston is reporting that the two sides have reengaged in trade discussions. That said, Johnston also acknowledges there are huge hurdles to overcome in that regard, thus a Kane deal seems more likely of the two potential scenarios.