The Edmonton Oilers might have trouble getting a player from the Calgary Flames because of their strong rivalry, known as the Battle of Alberta.
As General Manager Stan Bowman tries to strengthen the team for a better chance in the playoffs, rumors about trades are spreading throughout the NHL.
Ryan Lomberg, a forward from Calgary, has become someone to keep an eye on. Hockey expert David Pagnotta has mentioned that the Flames are considering offers for this experienced winger before the trade deadline.
It makes a lot of sense for Edmonton to look for players who have won the Stanley Cup. Lomberg won his championship with the Florida Panthers in 2024, so he understands what is needed to handle the pressures of the playoffs.
The Oilers are on the lookout for players who can add offensive strength and are dependable in energy. Even though Lomberg has had some difficulties this season, he is still an important player who can bring a fourth line into the game effectively.
However, making a deal could be tricky.
The Battle of Alberta might stop the Oilers from getting a Stanley Cup winner.
Looking at his stats with Calgary, Lomberg’s performance has been pretty average. In 50 games this season, he has scored 4 goals and 4 assists, giving him 8 total points. His stats also show a 0 rating and 59 penalty minutes, which is typical for someone who plays a physical game.
Despite not scoring a lot, he is incredibly fast. NHL Edge rankings show that he is in the top 17 percent for skating speed. This kind of quick pace is exactly what head coach Kris Knoblauch needs to keep up an aggressive forward check.
Lomberg is basically a short-term option. He is in the last part of a contract worth $2,000,000 and will become a free agent this summer. Because of this, he is an inexpensive choice for a team that needs to watch its budget.
But the Battle of Alberta is really important. It’s unusual for these two teams to support each other.
The Calgary leaders might rather get a smaller deal from a team in the Eastern Conference than watch a popular player win the Cup in Edmonton.
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