It was a blockbuster trade -- Ryan Johansen going from Columbus to Nashville for defenseman Seth Jones.
But, based on a report Friday, it seems there were other suitors for Jones, who was selected fourth overall in the 2013 draft and is already more than 200 games (15 goals, 64 points) into his NHL career.
That includes the Edmonton Oilers, according to a report from Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, who wrote that multiple sources confirmed Oilers’ GM Peter Chiarelli offered Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to Nashville in hopes to land Jones.
From Mark Spector of Sportsnet:
Chiarelli had no comment on this report, neither confirming nor issuing a denial when reached. And of course, Nashville general manager David Poile chose to deal Jones to Columbus for Ryan Johansen instead. What it tells us is that Chiarelli sees Nugent-Hopkins as the one player from the Oilers former core that can command the greatest return — yet at the same time is expendable.
Meanwhile, Taylor Hall has played himself into the “going forward” group of Oilers Top 6 forwards, with an excellent season thus far.
Nugent-Hopkins, 22, is one numerous first overall picks for the Oilers. He has eight goals and 29 points in 44 games this season.