Edmonton Oilers completely change their trade deadline plans

For the past few weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers have been pursuing an addition to their top six forward group in trade, specifically looking for a winger for Leon Draisaitl. However, according to multiple sources now, Oilers GM Ken Holland now thinks the team needs help elsewhere in the lineup.

According to Bob Stauffer and Frank Seravalli, the Oilers are pivoting off their pursuit of a top six forward in favour of adding a defenceman and toughness in the bottom six. Moments ago, analyst Jim Matheson reported that the Oilers are now mostly interested in making an upgrade on Cody Ceci, and Chris Tanev could be the best target.




Through a recent downturn in the month of February, some flaws in the Oilers depth, defence, and goaltending have emerged. It's too much of a risk to play Cody Ceci in top four minutes during the playoffs, and the Oilers depth players just aren't able to produce any offence at the moment. To address these problems, Chris Tanev and Scott Laughton would be incredible additions.

Plenty of other team will be bidding for Tanev as well, so the Oilers will likely monitor the field for top four defencemen available for trade, that would be a considerable upgrade on Ceci. For both trades, the Oilers would have to give up a number of prospects, and if they acquire Tanev, likely their first round draft pick as well.