Top NHL insider confirms Oilers are shopping 2 defenceman for immediate trade
Photo credit: Sergei Belski - Imagn Images
With the return of defenseman Jake Walman to the lineup, the Oilers now have some decisions to make concerning the logjam at the defense position.
In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, analyst Elliotte Friedman commented on the Oilers' logjam at D:
Edmonton also has a lot of blueliners, including some they like at AHL Bakersfield. That's another team that could move one at some point.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Oilers forced to make roster decision before too long
With Jake Walman returning to the Edmonton Oilers' lineup, the team's defensive situation has been significantly bolstered, providing stability, adding an offensive threat, and balancing the defensive pairing.
Yet, his return has also made the need to move one, or more defenseman, imminent, in particular given the team's need in other areas - carrying too many defensemen is counter-productive.
Alec Regula, who had been filling in, was placed on injured reserve to make room for Walman, while others that could be subject to roster moves are Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson.
To complicate matters, the Oilers' have at least three NHL-serviceable defensemen in Atro Leppanen, Cam Dineen, and Beau Akey, whose value to the club could be better served in trade.
It's quite clear that the top-three D-pairings have been established thus far. Carrying another two makes sense, of course, as replacement for any possible injuries, but to carry more than nine defenseman doesn't make sense at the moment.
Stan Bowman has been shopping around for an upgrade in the goalie position and could very well use the additional defensemen in a trade package.
Of course, things don't always happen on a favourable timeline, and the GM must consider what is best for his team at any given moment. But to complicate roster decisions by carrying an extraneous amount of NHL-level players at the minor level only adds pressure on the GM.
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