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Troy Stecher Named As Odd Man Out After Oilers Make Their Highly Anticipated Defence Trade
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have been rumoured to be in the trade market for a defenceman this season, and it's clear which current player a new addition will be replacing: Troy Stecher.
A few weeks ago the Oilers defence core was playing well enough to reduce the conversations of a trade, but a few questionable games have started it again.
OilersNation is now naming Troy Stecher as the defenceman to exit the lineup when a trade inevitably comes. Stecher's performed above expectation this year, but the last few games have raised some doubts.
Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher have been in a battle to prove themselves as a defender that could stick with the team through the playoffs. Emberson is now getting traction for a contract extension, showing the team thinks Stecher is the odd man out too.
Edmonton Oilers searching for Troy Stecher replacement in Trade
In the Oilers last disappointing loss to the Anaheim Ducks, Stecher took an unacceptable amount of 8 penalty minutes. His overall level of play seems to be teetering on the edge, and taking those extra penalties won't help.
The Oilers have extra depth help coming with waiver claim Alec Regula, but he's only just begun skating after recovering from knee surgery.
However, the real upgrade will come from the trade market this season. The Oilers will be in on pretty much every available top four defenceman in trade to make a real impact on the ice.
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has reported the team is looking for a left shot puck moving defenceman that can play the right side, potentially Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens.
Troy Stecher has been a great stopgap player this year and can serve as a quality 7th defender, but come playoff time, he'll be the player the Oilers want an upgrade on.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 191 ANSWERS Troy Stecher Named As Odd Man Out After Oilers Make Their Highly Anticipated Defence Trade Do you think Troy Stecher is the odd man out for the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 135 | 70.7 % |
| No | 56 | 29.3 % |
| List of polls | ||