It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The Four Nations Faceoff just started, but general managers are still thinking about tinkering with their roster. Team executives have until March 7 to make trades. The league may be quiet, but teams are going to hot the ground running in the run up to the deadline. We’ve already seen some big swings, but a lot more smaller deals will probably happen. One team that’s going to likely make moves is the Edmonton Oilers. This edition of NHL rumours looks at what depth additions they might make.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Edmonton Oilers Looking to Solidify Depth at Deadline
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic talked to Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman about what the team may do at the upcoming trade deadline.
Analysis: Edmonton has already made the addition of defenceman John Klingberg. However, the Oilers might not be done making moves as the trade deadline draws closer. Bowman is in the first season running the club and is looking to bolster the team’s lineup.
Adding Klingberg was a start, but Bowman might not be done adding depth to the blueline. He said the scouting staff has been looking at options around the league. Bowman told LeBrun that they were looking at different players has kind of zeroed in on a target.
The Oilers GM said that they are likely to add a left-handed defenceman if they do make a move. Bowman said that he likes the team’s set up with Mattias Ekholm, Brett Kulak and Darnell Nurse. However, Bowman wants to add depth in case of injuries. He’s also looking for experience to go with the rest of the blueline group.
The Oilers don’t want one injury to derail their lofty expectations. Going for some blueline depth seems to be a smart play.
What It Means
Defencemen may be priority one for Bowman, but he may not only be concentrating on that. LeBrun mentions that the Oilers could add some forward depth. Edmonton has used Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at both the wing and centre spots. The Oilers’ coaching staff may pretty much decide what Bowman goes after at the deadline.
Edmonton is in a good position going into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, there’s always room for improvement for any contending team. The Oilers might want to pick up little pieces to prepare for a hopefully deep post-season run.
If you look at Edmonton’s salary cap structure heading into the deadline, the team has just under $950,00 of deadline cap space. This is according to online salary cap resource Puckpedia. Bowman might have to move out some cap space in order to make something happen.
Edmonton’s cap situation is a tight squeeze. However, a number of players would love the chance to possibly hoist the Stanley Cup. Playing with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl make Alberta an attractive destination. Bowman may be constrained by the cap, but he may be able to still make a couple of moves as March 7 approaches.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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