Oilers top trade target burns them and fans are calling out GM Ken Holland

According to reports, the Oilers were close to moving Cody Ceci and a first for Walker, but Oilers players pleaded not to trade Ceci. Holland relented and pivoted to make the move to Henrique, but some fans are upset and questioning whether or not a defenceman like Walker would've been the best move at the deadline.

For any team going on a deep run in the playoffs, a steady defensive core and depth is an absolute requirement. The Oilers opted for just a small addition with Troy Stetcher, but an upgrade over Cody Ceci to add another top four defenceman could've seriously improved the team. In recent weeks, Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci have been getting torn apart by some tougher competition, and it may prove to be the biggest weakness in the playoffs this year. Walker scored two goals, and Ceci was on the ice for both of them.

Plenty of fans were calling out Holland for the lack of significant action on the blue line watching Walker outperform Ceci handedly. We'll just have to see how it plays out in the postseason, if the Oilers have a strong enough offence to overcome their occasional defensive woes.