Oilers reportedly seeking trades to improve on 3 positions this season
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are entering a must-win season, and the team is looking to improve on 3 positions in trade through the year.
With Connor McDavid unsigned, the pressure is on Oilers management to make aggressive moves in pursuit of a Stanley Cup - which should make for an active season from the front office.
Oilers insider names 3 positions team will pursue upgrades on in trade
According to a new article from Oilers insider Daniel Nugent-Bowman, the team is only really set at the centre and left defence positions. In all other areas, the team could pursue a trade.
The feeling is that the Oilers are set at centre and left defence.
The pro scouting and management will be monitoring the goaltending, wing and right defence markets in the first half of the season, even if there isn't much urgency to make a trade.
In net, the Oilers are putting their trust in Skinner.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The pro scouting and management will be monitoring the goaltending, wing and right defence markets in the first half of the season, even if there isn't much urgency to make a trade.
In net, the Oilers are putting their trust in Skinner.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The Oilers biggest roster weakness has been goaltending for some time now, and is included in the areas the team would be open to an addition - but it comes with a wrinkle.
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard will be given some time to work with new goalie coach Pete Aubry this season before the team makes their final call on goaltending before the playoffs. The Oilers had the worst playoff goaltending last year, a weakness they can't afford again in a must-win year.
Adding a right winger makes sense considering it's the Oilers weaker wing, but the team will still have new options with Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard this year. Acquiring a veteran top 6 player later in the year would very much strengthen the team.
It's interesting to hear the Oilers would be open to adding another defender to their crowded group, but behind Evan Bouchard on the right side the team only has Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher. An upgrade there, and potentially trading one of the left shot defenceman, could help balance the roster.
TRENDING NOW
