Oilers pursuing Ekholm-lite defenceman and middle six forward in trade, says insider

Insiders have poured cold water on the idea of trading for any of the available proven starting goalies, with salary space being an issue. With limited cap space and roster spots, the Oilers will have to get creative to make any additions at all.

According to a new update from NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Oilers would like to acquire an 'Ekholm Jr.' type defenceman and a middle-six forward.

Pagnotta didn't specify any specific trade targets for the Ekholm Jr. player, but it's surprising they'd look to add at the position anymore. The Oilers have a defined top 4 group of Bouchard, Ekholm, Nurse, and Walman - that last of which was already acquired in an Ekholm type trade last year.

If the Oilers were to trade for another top 4 defenceman, one of Kulak, Emberson, or Regula would be heading out the door.

Adding a middle-six forward has clearly become a need with the weak years from Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane. They have quality depth options, but the bottom six forwards are making very little impact this year.

If the Oilers do make an addition to their weakest position of goaltending anytime soon, it will be a recall of Connor Ingram from the AHL. He's their cost-controlled option that's already on the roster, and deserves a look at the NHL level.

We'll see if the Oilers do decide to make these types of additions closer to the trade deadline, but it seems a more realistic goal to the front office than being extorted for a starting goalie.