Why Did The Oilers Trade Jason Arnott? A Look Back At The Controversial Move

The Oilers traded Jason Arnott to the New Jersey Devils in January of 1998. The deal also sent defenseman Bryan Muir to New Jersey, in exchange for Bill Guerin and Valeri Zelepukin. The trade was centered around two players who were looking for a fresh start. Both Arnott and Guerin had been struggling to score goals. A change of scenery was a good option for both players.

The Oilers were hoping that Guerin would be able to provide some offensive spark. Guerin was a big, strong power forward who could score goals and create scoring chances. He had a good track record with the Devils, and the Oilers thought he could be a valuable asset to their team. The Oilers also wanted to see if Zelepukin could produce consistently.

Arnott was an established player with a proven track record. He had been a key player for the Oilers for several years, and the Oilers hoped that he would be able to continue his success with the Devils. The Oilers likely saw this as an opportunity to refresh their lineup and get a look at some different players. Guerin’s playing style was more conducive to the Oilers’ system.

The Oilers likely hoped to take advantage of an opportunity to gain a player in Guerin, who was seen as having more potential. It was also a time for the Oilers to evaluate Zelepukin’s potential, as he was a young and skilled player. This was a trade that involved players who were looking to make a new start. The Oilers hoped to see if the trade could benefit their team going forward. The Devils, on the other hand, were hoping to get a player like Arnott who could help them contend for the Stanley Cup.