According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, who spoke with Dustin Nielson and Lt. Eric on Edmonton Sports Talk Radio, the Edmonton Oilers’ biggest trade priority is to acquire assistance on defense.
“We’re going to be discussing this defense for a long time—until management takes action. It clearly appears to be the biggest source of concern for both the defense and offense. It’s simple hockey: if you can’t clear the puck from your own end or get it into the hands of players like McDavid and Draisaitl, and the array of offensive talent they have, that will create significant issues. And it has been a problem, contributing to this team’s inconsistency.”
Dreger also mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks acquired Nikita Zadorov near the end of November last year and noted that some teams manage to obtain valuable pieces early. “Let’s see if Edmonton can do the same. There’s no sense of panic in Edmonton, nor should there be. However, concerns remain regarding the team’s consistency… I hesitated for a moment because I wanted to use the term ‘dysfunction,’ which I believe applies to their overall gameplay and inconsistency.”
My Take:
- I’m not entirely certain what Edmonton’s most pressing need is, but it’s crucial for them to be cautious before spending assets to address any one problem.
Edmonton’s asset pool is limited after trading away their first-round pick in the June 2025 draft, and they’re also tight on cap space. It seems likely that the Oilers can afford to make just one significant move this year to acquire a player. Until GM Stan Bowman identifies the team’s most critical need, it’s wise not to rush into that major acquisition. Patience is essential.
- I’m also unsure where the Oilers’ greatest need lies. Are management and the team completely clear on this?
Is the issue in goal, where Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard haven’t yet established themselves as a reliable NHL goaltending duo?
Or is the problem on defense, where a gap is evident, but it’s unclear whether it’s the second or third pairing that’s lacking? If Brett Kulak and Darnell Nurse can effectively handle the second pairing, Edmonton may not need to trade for a costly second-pair defenseman; they would only need to acquire someone for the third pairing to support Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher.
Could the biggest concern be on the wing, where the performance has sharply declined compared to last year? Perhaps a tough and speedy third-line winger is what they truly need, although such a player won’t come cheap, right?
- What’s the best move for the Oilers? If a deal for Nikita Zadorov is available, Edmonton should definitely pursue it. It would certainly address a pressing need. Vancouver got a fantastic deal by giving up just a third and a fifth round pick in that trade.
Am I the only one who feels like that trade was specifically meant to undermine the Oilers, strengthening a major divisional rival? I’m probably just being paranoid and overly focused on the Oilers.
The most reasonable approach is to remain patient, accumulate cap space, monitor player injuries and performances, and then seize an opportunity to make a deal that addresses their needs.
Does that make sense?
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