Edmonton Oilers reportedly targeting the wrong trade deadline move this season
Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Speaking on the Kevin Karius sports radio show, insider Frank Seravalli reported that Edmonton isn't looking to trade for a top-four defenseman.
“Honestly, I don’t see it. And I believe, just in the conversations that I’ve had, that the Oilers haven’t really spent a ton of time looking at defense, that their thought process has been, ‘We will improve organically when the time is right. These guys know how to flip the switch.
Oilers looking within for help
In fact, given their cap- and roster-space, Edmonton may be forced to find whatever help they need from within the organization, in the form of depth guys stepping-it-up, or help from Bakersfield.
Next to a trade, those are really the only two options. Trouble is, Edmonton may not have the talent to depend on depth players. The defensive issues have been a problem since early in the year and still haven't resolved themselves internally.
"Your partner can’t absolve the sins of Darnell Nurse’s game," Seravalli added, "and no one and, not Tristan Jarry at times, can bail this team out from their defensive lapses when Evan Bouchard has a critical turnover or gets walked."
One of the main reasons why the team may not be targeting big names at the trade-deadline are Stan Bowman's poor decisions.
Hockey writer David Staples claims it makes little sense for the Oilers to throw more money at a top-nine forward, given the team is already committed to Frederic and Mangiapane for $7.45M annually, to name two of the more problematic.
Staples believes Kasperi Kapanen can play in the top-six role the team is looking to fill.
In addition, Josh Samanski has proven he can compete at the NHL level in the 3C position since getting the call from Bakersfield.
There is also the issue of the team's immediate future, should Edmonton acquire one or more forwards with term. This would hinder of any one of their young prospects, in terms of developing at the NHL-level.
Matt Savoie, Ike Howard, Quinn Huston, Roby Jarventie and Viljami Marjala would potentially be affected.
Stan Bowman certainly has plenty to think about as the Olympic break continues. How he responds remains to be seen.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Team Canada teammates have amazing reaction to McDavid’s massive hit at Olympics
Team Canada teammates have amazing reaction to McDavid’s massive hit at Olympics