IMO there is no dilemma, he needs to be dealt. Not for another playoff rental either. We need picks, prospects, or young players in return. As much of a pain in the ass Joni Pitkanen may have been in the dressing room, the fact of the matter is that the perceived crown jewel of the Chris Pronger trade was dealt for him. For the Oilers to go from having young and promising RFA's to an UFA who in all likelihood will walk in just 2 seasons time doesn't speak well for the teams asset management.
Simply put we do not have the prospect depth to watch Cole walk for nothing. This team needs something out of this asset. The team already has a slough of young players that they are grooming for future success, they may as well add to the stable. Whether it's through stockpiling draft picks or acquiring other teams top prospects, the Oilers have to get something for Cole.
Becoming buyers at the deadline and holding onto Cole will leave this team in its worst situation since '06-07. However the Oilers will probably hold onto him and become buyers, why would it be a surprise to anyone that the Oilers would sell their souls for another 1st round exit if they're lucky enough to get there?
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