Oilers Looking at “2 Possibilities” Ahead of the Trade Deadline

During Saturday’s Headlines report, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Edmonton Oilers are looking to fill two needs at the trade deadline. First, they’re out to find a defenseman who can play the right side. Second, they’d like to land a third-line center. He noted that the team is not looking for a goaltender, as they’ve already made their move, good or bad. If Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stays on the wing, Friedman believes the priority is a 3C.

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“They’ve got to move Andrew Mangiapane, but those are the two positions that Edmonton is considering shoring up.”

When asked by Ron MacLean again if they’re looking at goaltending, Friedman said, “No. They’ve already made their move. They’re looking at D or 3C.”

Defense seems to be the greater need, given Edmonton’s propensity to give up goals. In Saturday’s loss to the San Jose Sharks, the Oilers had another game where they gave up five goals. It’s becoming a nasty habit they just can’t seem to shake, even after solid games like Thursday’s performance against the Los Angeles Kings. One good game turns into a lazy effort, and then their goaltenders look bad.

Darnell Nurse was frustrated with the media after Saturday’s game. He was pressed about his own game and said it looked like he fought it. He sarcastically responded, “That’s a good analysis.” He added, “It starts with us, it starts with leadership. There are too many mistakes from too many of us.”

Nurse and Jake Walman were both struggling defensively.

Who Are the Oilers Looking At Before the Deadline?

The what got identified by Friedman. The who is another question. Frank Seravalli reports, “The Edmonton Oilers are one of a few teams fixated on Blues defenseman Justin Faulk, the No. 2 player available on our Trade Targets board. Faulk has had a fantastic season in a down year for most of the rest of the Blues. But Edmonton can’t acquire Faulk without first dumping Andrew Mangiapane – and that could require attaching a pick in a separate transaction.”

There are also many insiders linking the Oilers to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He’s a left shot who can play the right side.

Next: Edmonton Meltdown: Is Knoblauch Out and Coffey In?