Oilers’ Trade Deadline Focus May Be Shifting in a Big Way

The Edmonton Oilers may be pivoting ahead of the trade deadline.

According to NHL insider Bob Stauffer, the host of Oilers Now, Edmonton’s priorities have shifted in recent weeks. What once looked like a clear push for a top-nine forward now appears to be a shift toward finding a piece to add to the blue line.

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That change makes sense. Players within the organization have stepped up and eased the pressure up front. For example, Kasperi Kapanen has found chemistry alongside Leon Draisaitl, bringing speed and confidence to the team’s second line. Meanwhile, Josh Samanski has impressed since his recall, showing he’s got the potential to be a regular third-line center. It’s unclear how far the team can push him, but in a small sample size, Samanski has been effective.

Jack Roslovic has proven to be an effective signing on the first day of the regular season, and the Oilers feel they have depth at the AHL level that they can call up in a pinch.

With those two stepping up, adding another forward no longer seems to be a dire need. “I would have said six weeks ago that we would be looking at a forward Top 9 addition. I now believe the target is another defenceman as well. So we’ll see what happens,” said Stauffer.

Defensively, however, the concerns haven’t disappeared and the goaltending is not bailing out the blue. The Oilers have piled up goals, but they’ve been trying to outscore their problems and win games by upping their offence, counting on five or more goals to secure two points. It’s not a formula that will work in the playoffs.

As the save percentage has leveled off between Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram, the defense has needed to step up. It hasn’t. Those breakdowns have translated into costly goals against. It’s a problem that the Oilers have potentially identified as a priority.

If the Oilers are serious about a deep postseason run, they know they’ll have to win tight games and limit goals against. They can’t do that if their current crop of blueliners keeps giving up Grade A chances against.

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