Derek Roy Traded to Oilers for Mark Arcobello: Latest Details and Reaction

The Edmonton Oilers are doing whatever they can to address their massive issue at center.

The team announced on Monday night that it traded Mark Arcobello to the Nashville Predators for Derek Roy:

Roy has appeared in 26 games this year, scoring one goal and picking up nine assists. The Predators waived the 31-year-old Sunday, leading some to question why the Oilers would give up a player when Roy could've been had for nothing.   

TSN's Ryan Rishaug noted that Edmonton didn't have the roster space to simply add Roy. They needed to shed a contract in order to make room:

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun believes that trading for Roy is a sign of how bad the Oilers' situation is at center right now:

Sportsnet's Corey Hirsch worked with Roy while he was a goaltender coach with the St. Louis Blues. Although he praised Roy's professionalism, Hirsch questioned if the player's style serves Edmonton's needs:

"

Had Derek Roy in stl. Good guy, good teammate. For me it's a Surprising pick up, as small skill is exactly what they don't need. #Oilers

— Corey Hirsch (@CoreyHirsch) December 29, 2014"

Trading for Roy is unlikely to be the solution for the Oilers to remedy their on-ice problems.

However, the team is being proactive and at least acknowledging that something needs to be done in order to climb out of the Western Conference cellar.

Arcobello, 26, has seven goals and five assists in 36 games this season. Considering he's still young and developing, Nashville at least got some value in the deal.