Oilers Trying to Find 'Soft Landing' Trade For Popular Defenseman
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to move veteran defenseman Troy Stecher, with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noting the team is seeking a “soft landing” for the popular blueliner. A beloved and reliable defenseman, Stecher is an extra on most nights for the Oilers, and with some tough roster decisions coming, a trade might make the most sense.
The Oilers suddenly find themselves with a surplus on defense as several players — including Alec Regula are coming back to the roster in the next week. Stecher, 31, has been a reliable depth option since being acquired, appearing in 79 regular-season games and eight playoff contests for Edmonton.
A pending unrestricted free agent carrying a $787,500 cap hit, Stecher has provided steady, low-risk minutes. He’s not the best at any one thing, but he’s steady, which would make him a potentially popular trade option for a team looking for solid defensive play at a low price. He’s unlikely to win a spot in Edmonton over Regula and
If the Oilers move on from Stecher, don’t expect a big return. First, he would have to clear waivers, meaning any interested team could simply wait for Stecher to be demoted and pick him up for free. However, because the Oilers want to ensure Stecher winds up on a good team where he might want to play, they’ll take almost nothing to make a deal to a preferred destination.
The goal, as Friedman put it, is to “find him a soft landing”. While he lacks trade protection, in a situation like this, that doesn’t really matter.
AFTER VISITING INJURED C.J. STROUD, HOUSTON TEXANS LEGEND J.J. WATT BREAKS HIS SILENCE
AFTER VISITING INJURED C.J. STROUD, HOUSTON TEXANS LEGEND J.J. WATT BREAKS HIS SILENCE -T
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AFTER VISITING INJURED C.J. STROUD, HOUSTON TEXANS LEGEND J.J. WATT BREAKS HIS SILENCE ![]()
“You Will Become the New Icon of Houston” ![]()
His Emotional Words After the Hospital Visit Move the Entire Texans Organization ![]()
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AFTER VISITING INJURED C.J. STROUD, HOUSTON TEXANS LEGEND J.J. WATT BREAKS HIS SILENCE 
“You Will Become the New Icon of Houston” 
His Emotional Words After the Hospital Visit Move the Entire Texans Organization 
When Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt walked into the hospital room of C.J. Stroud, few expected what would follow. The former franchise superstar, a symbol of strength, leadership, and heart, met the young quarterback recovering from a concussion suffered in the game against the Broncos. What happened next moved not just the Texans’ locker room but the entire NFL community.
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The Visit That Touched Every Fan
It was a quiet Tuesday morning in Houston when J.J. Watt, wearing his familiar Texans jacket, arrived at the hospital to visit Stroud. The 24-year-old quarterback was still under medical observation following the head injury sustained in Week 9, a frightening moment that silenced NRG Stadium.
Witnesses described the meeting as emotional and genuine. Watt, who retired in 2023 but remains one of the most beloved athletes in Houston history, spent nearly an hour with Stroud sharing stories, encouragement, and what many are calling a
Before leaving, Watt placed his hand on Stroud’s shoulder and said words that fans will remember forever:
“You will become the new icon of Houston. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’ve got the heart, the fight, and the faith this city believes in.”
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A Legacy Meeting Its Future
For Texans fans, seeing J.J. Watt and C.J. Stroud together was like watching two eras collide, the past and the future of Houston football, united in spirit and purpose.
Since being drafted, Stroud has transformed the Texans from a rebuilding project into one of the most exciting young teams in the league. His leadership, humility, and poise on and off the field have drawn comparisons to legends, and Watt’s words only confirmed what fans already believed:
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who also played alongside Watt, spoke emotionally about the meeting:
“J.J. has always been the heart of this organization. To see him come and support C.J. in that way shows what this team and this city really stand for: family.”
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Watt’s Emotional Statement
Later that evening, Watt took to social media with a heartfelt post that quickly went viral:
“C.J. Stroud reminds me of everything that’s great about this game: toughness, respect, humility, and love for his team. Houston, your future is in good hands.”
The post accumulated over 2 million likes within hours, with NFL players, journalists, and fans flooding the comments in support. Many called it one of the most touching moments of the season.
Even former Texans coach Bill O’Brien commented, saying:
“This is what leadership looks like, past and present standing together for something bigger than the game.”
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Fans React: “This Is What Makes Houston Different”
Fans React: “This Is What Makes Houston Different”Texans fans, long known for their loyalty, filled social media with messages of admiration. Some called Watt’s visit “a moment that defines the franchise.” Others said it showed the emotional bond that makes Houston one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases.
One fan wrote:
“J.J. built this city with his hands. C.J. is building it with his heart.”
Another added:
“That’s not just mentorship, that’s brotherhood.”
NRG Stadium is already planning a tribute for Watt’s visit, and fans are demanding a mural in downtown Houston capturing the two side by side, a symbol of continuity between two generations of Texans greatness.
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C.J. Stroud’s Response
C.J. Stroud’s ResponseStroud later spoke briefly from the hospital, smiling as he reflected on the moment.
“It meant the world to me. J.J. is someone I’ve always admired, not just as a player but as a man. When he told me I could be the next icon, I didn’t know what to say. I just told him I’ll do everything I can to make Houston proud.”
His words perfectly embodied the humility and gratitude that have defined his young career. Despite the setback, Stroud’s focus remains on recovery and returning to the field as soon as medically cleared.
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The Road to Recovery
The Road to RecoveryAccording to the Texans’ medical staff, Stroud remains under the NFL’s concussion protocol but is showing strong signs of recovery. Team sources say he’s in good spirits, studying film, and staying connected with teammates during meetings.
Coach Ryans emphasized:
“We’re not rushing him. His health comes first. But I can tell you this, he’s as motivated as ever.”
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Conclusion: The Torch Has Been Passed
Conclusion: The Torch Has Been PassedThe meeting between
Watt built his legacy through years of sacrifice and community service. Stroud is now carving his own, with resilience, composure, and a heart that already reflects the spirit of this city.
As one fan perfectly put it:
“The greatest of yesterday met the greatest of tomorrow, and together they reminded us what it means to be a Texan.”
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