Oilers Insider Pegs Two Big Names as Ideal Second-Pair Defense Targets

Talk around the Edmonton Oilers’ search for help on defense has been relatively quiet since Bob Stauffer revealed their shift in plans ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. However, with the Olympics nearing their end and the roster freeze set to lift soon after, names will once again start circulating as potential targets for GM Stan Bowman to upgrade his blue line.

---

With the majority of Edmonton’s key contributors on the back end being left-handed — aside from Evan Bouchard — it makes sense that the Oilers’ priority will be adding to the right side. With that in mind, insider Jason Gregor floated numerous defensemen who could make sense to target, highlighting Colton Parayko and MacKenzie Weegar as options that stand out.

Gregor wrote:

“Oilers main priority heading to deadline has to be a 2nd pair RD. A 3C would be nice, but I think the 2RD is bigger priority now. Colton Parayko would be ideal, but not sure Blues will move him, and making cap work would be tough. Same as Weegar. Other possible options: Connor Murphy, Rasmus Ristolainen, Jamie Oleksiak, Johnathan Kovacevic, Zach Whitecloud, Artyum Zub,”

The 32-year-old Parayko is in year four of the eight-year, $52 million extension he signed with the Blues in 2021, while Weegar, also 32, is in the third season of the eight-year, $50 million deal he signed to extend with the Flames soon after arriving via trade from Florida in 2022.

Can the Oilers Land Colton Parayko or MacKenzie Weegar?

As Gregor notes, prying either player away from their respective teams while navigating the salary cap will be difficult. That said, if Edmonton is truly set on landing a Mattias Ekholm-esque defenseman for the right side of their blue line, these are the types of players who fit the description.

Parayko hasn’t had a great showing for Team Canada at the Olympics, which perhaps could lead GM Doug Armstrong to lower his typically sky-high asking price for the veteran. On the other hand, Weegar’s numbers have not been pretty this season either, though a lot of that can be attributed to playing on a Calgary team that’s fourth-last in the NHL.

If Bowman had the choice, Weegar would likely be the more appealing acquisition, given that he brings a combination of versatility — able to play either side — physicality, and some offensive abilities, as shown in previous seasons. Parayko doesn’t bring the same bite or upside as Weegar when on his game, but the defensive prowess and Stanley Cup pedigree make him a compelling option as well.

Either way, the Oilers will face plenty of obstacles in getting that kind of deal done — acquisition cost, cap space, relationship with Armstrong, and the potential “Battle of Alberta” tax. However, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl playing as well as they ever have in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, now is the time to at the very least explore every possible avenue to make such a move.

Next: As Oilers, Senators, Others Seek Defensive Help, Insider Lists Available Options