Edmonton Oilers have changed their top trade target, says insider
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Insider Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now renown believes Edmonton is no longer looking at a Top 9 forward, but rather has shifted to defense as a trade-deadline target.
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 defenseman as well. So we’ll see what happens.
- Bob Stauffer
- Bob Stauffer
Defense continues to be problematic for Oilers
This is not the first time we're hearing about this. In fact, the Oilers' shift in trade-strategy has been discussed quite a lot lately, in the media and by team personnel.
And hockey writer and analyst David Staples agrees defense should be the team's priority.
Both Kapanen and Samanski have stepped-up their play in their respective roles. As Stauffer suggested six weeks ago, the Oilers had a hole in the 3C and top-six wing positions.
That seems to have worked itself out.
Kapanen has proven effective on Draisaitl's flank, with Podkolzin rounding out a productive second-line since Kasperi's return to the lineup. He's playing his best hockey as an Oiler.
Also, Samanski has forechecked and defended well since his call-up from Bakersfield January 26. He's demonstrated he belongs in the NHL, of which Team Germany agrees. Josh was selected to compete in the best-on-best tourney, alongside Draisaitl no less.
Defensively, however, the problems still exist. Edmonton has allowed some of the highest number of high-danger and Grade-A chances against this year; 6.4 per game actually.
What keeps them in games is a top-tiered offense that creates 7.4 Grade-A chances per game and 3.45 goals-per-game, according to sources.
Since the December 12 goalie trade and Ingram's call-up, some of the team's defensive woes were initially masked by good goaltending. Since then, Tristan Jarry has levelled-out and has been just average, allowing for the holes on defense to become more apparent.
In addition, Jake Walman, Spencer Stastney and Alex Regula are having difficulty containing the offense.
A strong offense and good goaltending will mask many defensive weaknesses, but it can't be sustained.
The playoffs are different. Goals are harder to come by and even with good goaltending, allowing too many five-alarm chances against will cost a team dearly.
It seems both Stauffer and Staples have a good argument; defense may be Bowman's only target at the deadline.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Leon Draisaitl seems to re-aggravate injury with Team Germany at Olympics
Leon Draisaitl seems to re-aggravate injury with Team Germany at Olympics