Analyst Pitches Realistic Third-Line Center Target for the Oilers

Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday night that the Edmonton Oilers are focused on adding to the right side of their blue line and/or a third-line center, preferably one who is defensively responsible.

He mentioned a few names GM Stan Bowman has explored on the blue line — Justin Faulk and Oliver Ekman-Larsson — though no specifics were given about their pursuit of a 3C. Several targets have been speculated on, including Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton, among others, but one recent suggestion might be among the more realistic options.

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In an article on the state of the Oilers, Travis Yost of TSN floated Nashville Predators center Erik Haula as a strong fit for Edmonton’s needs.

Yost wrote:

“The non-existent cap space really limits their ability to upgrade, and the question of where to upgrade still feels meaningful. As far as forward depth is concerned, Nashville winger Erik Haula’s defensive touch would fit in nicely with this team,”

The 34-year-old Haula is a pending UFA in the third and final year of the three-year, $9.45 million deal he signed with the Devils in 2023. He’s had a solid 2025-26 season in Nashville, producing 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 59 games.

What likely caught the Oilers’ and other teams around the league’s attention most, however, was Haula’s play for Team Finland at the Olympics, where he tallied six points (three goals, three assists) in six games en route to a Bronze Medal.

Haula is certainly not the flashiest name, but that might actually be a good thing for Edmonton; dependability is exactly what they need. He’s a prototypical third-line center who would bring tons of playoff experience, a solid defensive game, and inject some speed into the Oilers’ lineup.

Yes, he’s a rental, which Bowman might prefer to avoid, but if the cost of acquiring a 3C with term on their contract is too high, or they spend big to land an impact defenseman, Edmonton could do far worse than turning to Haula as a reasonably priced alternative.

Next: Insider Reveals Key Obstacle in Oilers Trading for Oliver Ekman-Larsson