NHL insider reports Oilers will try to fix chemistry issue at trade deadline
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According to a new report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers are trying to fix their rush defence and offensive chemistry at this year's trade deadline.
Edmonton Oilers trying to fix Rush defence and offensive chemistry problem
When speaking about the team's trade deadline plans for this season, Friedman specifically mentioned the two areas in which the Oilers are trying to improve - rush defence and offensive chemistry.
If it's unlikely they're going to do anything in goal, which is the information I have, I think they're going to take a look at: how do they fix their rush defence, and how do they find some of that elusive chemistry up front that they haven't been able to find so far this year.
- Elliotte Friedman
The issue of offensive chemistry can be traced back to the signings of
Viktor Arvidsson and
Jeff Skinner, neither of which has gone to the expectations of the Oilers.
Rush defence is another unique problem the Oilers could address in multiple ways. A quality defensive center, a solid top four defenceman could help the team in that department, as well as adding speed in any position.
The Oilers play as of late has hit a clear rut, which may be exposing multiple positions they want to address before the deadline. It's easy to see a path forward where the Oilers do trade for a forward, defenceman, or still a goalie.
GM Stan Bowman will have his work cut out for him trying to best navigate the path to improving this team with a trade, and working around the return of
Evander Kane and his $5.125M salary. If anything, his return should lean the Oilers toward defence or goaltending.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
FEVRIER 25 | 1099 ANSWERS NHL insider reports Oilers will try to fix chemistry issue at trade deadline Do you think the Oilers will trade for a forward, defenceman, or goalie this year? |
Forward | 116 | 10.6 % |
Defence | 394 | 35.9 % |
Goalie | 589 | 53.6 % |
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