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GM Stan Bowman reveals Oilers trade deadline targets in new interview
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers are an elite team having a dominant regular season, which should lead GM Stan Bowman to be taking a big swing at the trade deadline - but instead he may opt to add around the fringes of the roster.
Earlier this week, Bowman's comments on the roster battle between Noah Philp and Derek Ryan indicated there'd could be a forward trade coming, which he again hinted toward in today's interview.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman reveals Oilers trade deadline addition plans, speaks on team's biggest strength
While speaking to Pierre LeBrun in a recent interview with the Athletic, Stan Bowman touched upon a left shot depth defenceman, and a depth forward as the team's two primary targets heading into the trade deadline.
»Our top three lefties have been excellent between Ekholm, Kulak and Nurse. But I think underneath that, if one of them were to get injured, then yeah, we don't have that experienced depth on the left side. So that's one area to look at.
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
Speaking on adding a forward in trade, Bowman mentioned that whether they trade for a center or a winger may depend if Nugent-Hopkins ends up playing wing or center in the playoffs. It may be best to add a veteran player with experience playing both positions.
That's something we're evaluating with our coaches. Whether it's a winger or a center, it's going to be dependent on where we think we want to use Nuge.
The Edmonton Oilers are an elite all around team, ranking near the top 5 in offence and defence. Goaltending results have ranked average, but Bowman isn't convinced there needs to be an upgrade in the crease.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman praises team's underrated defence, mature attitude
Two areas Bowman specifically praised the Oilers for was their underrated defensive results, and their veteran approach to games that always allows them to stay in a game.
There was a narrative that was formed over the offseason that the defense wasn't good enough, I was new to the team so I wanted to see how it went when the games began. I don't think it's accurate.
The maturity of our group is probably the thing that's impressed me the most. It gives you hope that when times get tough, they can power through it.
- Stan Bowman
The maturity of our group is probably the thing that's impressed me the most. It gives you hope that when times get tough, they can power through it.
- Stan Bowman
Looking at the team as a whole nearing the trade deadline, it's hard to imagine where a major trade addition could even fit into the lineup, especially at forward when considering the return of Evander Kane.
If John Klingberg keeps performing up to standard, the Oilers best path forward may just be adds around the edges of the team.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 7 | 284 ANSWERS GM Stan Bowman reveals Oilers trade deadline targets in new interview Do you think the Oilers will make a big splash in trade, or add depth players? | ||
| Blockbuster trade | 137 | 48.2 % |
| Depth players | 147 | 51.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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