Edmonton Oilers
Bowman Should Fix Oilers’ Other Issue Before Draisaitl Extension
New GM Stan Bowman’s focus should shift from Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension to fixing another problem for the Edmonton Oilers.
In his inaugural move as General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, Stan Bowman might be trying to get Leon Draisaitl signed to a long-term extension. But, perhaps that’s not the move. Instead, Bowman might want to address a long-standing concern that has frustrated fans for several seasons: the right side of the defense.
While a contract extension for star player Draisaitl remains a priority, Bowman has to be keenly aware that upgrading the blue line could quickly win over a skeptical fan base.
In a recent article, Allan Mitchell of The Athletic noted the urgency among Oilers fans for a reliable right defenseman on the second pairing. While the Oilers must get a Philip Broberg contract signed, the current internal options of Broberg—a left-handed defenseman playing on his off-side—and Cody Ceci, who has struggled in tough minutes alongside Darnell Nurse, have not instilled confidence. Broberg might be the solution, but that’s not a given.
Mitchell writes, “For Oilers fans, the urgency surrounding right defence on the second pairing has reached fever pitch.”
How Does Bowman Fix This Problem in Edmonton?
Again, the first thing Bowman should do is get a contract done with Broberg. From there, addressing the right defense spot is not just about plugging a gap; it’s about finding a player who can bring stability and strength to a position that has been a weak link. Mitchell cited a trade Bowman made when he first took over in Chicago, adding Nick Leddy in a trade that included multiple pieces. It would be a Leddy-type acquisition that Bowman should be on the hunt for.
This means thoroughly assessing the current roster, followed by targeted moves in the trade market or free agency. Considering the Oilers don’t have much left in terms of cap space (they are over) it might be a trade or a PTO that helps Bowman find what he needs. If successful, Bowman can quickly earn the trust and support of the Edmonton fan base, setting a positive tone for his GM tenure and demonstrating his commitment to addressing the team’s most pressing needs.
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Kelly
August 2, 2024 at 10:30 am
That “urgency” to fix this so-called problem is not universal among fans. While I would like to see a better 2nd pairing option and while I also agree that $3.25 M is more than a 3rd pair d-man should be paid, I don’t think replacing Ceci is an emergency. That defence got the Oilers 1 game away from a Stanley Cup. If Bowman can find a team to take Ceci, that is great. But it is not an emergency in my opinion.
NHL Trade Talk
August 2, 2024 at 1:57 pm
I’m with you that this isn’t universally agreed to be a priority and that this blue line was good enough to get the Oilers to Game 7. I’m more suggesting that Bowman can do a lot of good for himself with a solid first impression by making a notable upgrade here. I’m not convinced he’ll get much credit for the Draisaitl deal, when that’s ultimately announced.
Jeremy
August 2, 2024 at 11:00 am
Wrong… 1st finish the Draisaitl contract and a few other contract that need to be completed before the start of the new season, then see how much money is left if any to upgrade the blue line…. glad this writer is not running the Oilers organization.
Shane
August 2, 2024 at 12:42 pm
Bownam should NOT be looking for a 2nd pair RD at this time. This line up is more than good enough to win the Pacific and that is the goal at this time. The trade deadline is the place to improve that position. You will get a player at a greatly reduced cap hit for the books, which means an actual top 4 damn. Any player you add now will need to be upgraded at the deadline for a cup run anyways.
A cup winning team is never completed in the summer, they are finalized at the trade deadline. Broberg may prove himself to play his off side in the second pairing through the season, so give him that opportunity, don’t block him now. Next season will require value contracts and the Oilers need to know if they can count on Broberg to play in the top 4, figure that out this year.
RD UFA’s at the deadline – Burns, Petry, Savard, Larson, Rutta
RD with 1 year remaining at deadline – Murphy, Gudas, Jensen, Holl, Gudbrandson, Dumba most are within $750k of Cecil.
Draisaitl signed long term for under $13.5 and the fans will be happy
NHL Trade Talk
August 2, 2024 at 2:02 pm
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here and the deadline will be important for Edmonton. I do think it’s important Bowman look at possible upgrades on Ceci in the summer. Blocking Broberg would not be the intent in adding someone. It’s moving pieces around, getting him on his proper side and then seeing if there’s a better fit with Nurse.
NHL Trade Talk
August 2, 2024 at 1:59 pm
The Draisaitl deal will have no bearing on the salary cap this season. The only way it would matter is if the Oilers tried to acquire a defenseman that was more than a rental.
Kael
August 3, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Such a terrible defense as all the writers say… I guess they didn’t notice that defense group went to game 7 of the final.