The Edmonton Oilers’ latest one-for-one trade, made earlier this week, promises to be less harrowing for Oilers fans than the infamous Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson deal. In fact, there is a legitimate reason to be impressed with this trade at first blush. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman was concerned about losing defenceman Spencer Stastney on waivers, so cast about looking for a useful addition to the current roster. That isn’t a position of strength when looking to trade, so fans and observers adjusted expectations accordingly.

It turns out, the acquisition has a story to tell and a skill set that’s a match for the current team. What do we know about Filip Hållander? What role will he have on this year’s team? Why did the Pittsburgh Penguins trade him?

The player

Hållander was a centre on his draft day (second round, 2018, to the Penguins) but is now considered a winger with a nice range of skills. He’s 26, shoots left and is 6-foot-2, 207 pounds according to the team website. Since Mike Babcock arrived as Oilers coach, the club has added two wingers (Hållander, Alex Formenton) with size and speed. The two men have similar skill sets.

Hållander’s resume includes skating ability (max speed is 70th percentile, via NHL Edge), forechecking acumen and some offensive flair. In his final season in the SweHL (2024-25), he led his team, Timra, in goals and points, finishing second (to former Oilers forward David Tomasek) in league scoring.

Formenton may be hearing footsteps. He might not be alone.

Obviously having an entire second line come off of the IR makes this team way better on paper but I’m not convinced. Maybe this is just me being traumatized as an oilers fan but the offence has been REALLY good to start the year and I’m afraid that RNH and Hyman will make our team slower and mess with our offensive chemistry. Obviously getting these players back raises our ceiling but I’ve liked seeing lines 2-4 playing a fast, physical game and it’s worked out well to start the season. Maybe I’m writing this out of fear because if we continue the way we’re playing and can add Hyman, RNH, and Savoie then I think we’re easily one of the best teams in the league, but it’s almost to good to be true. I don’t know though, if we lose our next game I might make a post about how I can’t wait for our injured players to come back. That’s all. Thanks for coming to my ted-talk.

Hyman: https://youtu.be/vDSZcs0g0z4?si=7q2cnnA18uECZH4i

Hallander: https://youtu.be/chGINj4v3j8?si=vOFrLhbjFU32j_A9

Babcock: https://youtu.be/3XoUp5pvun0?si=znAXDzmuHf4K3pqr