GM Stan Bowman confirms Edmonton Oilers eyeing left-shot D-man & forward ahead of trade deadline

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, general managers around the league are assessing their teams’ needs and looking for ways to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. For the Edmonton Oilers, one of the league’s top offensive teams with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the need to reinforce certain areas has become increasingly evident.

General Manager Stan Bowman has confirmed that the Oilers are actively eyeing a left-shot defenseman and a forward to bolster their lineup ahead of the March deadline. While the team’s offensive firepower has never been in question, the Oilers’ defense and forward depth have been consistent areas of concern. With a favorable playoff position in sight, the Oilers are determined to add the necessary pieces to ensure they can make a deep run come postseason time.

In this article, we’ll break down what these acquisitions could mean for the team, the positions that need attention, and what the Oilers might be targeting ahead of the deadline.

Why the Oilers Need a Left-Shot Defenseman

The Edmonton Oilers have long been known for their potent offense, led by the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl. While their scoring ability is unmatched, their defense has been a point of contention for several seasons. Despite having some solid defensive players, the team has struggled to achieve consistency on the back end.

A left-shot defenseman is a particular need for the Oilers. On the left side, the Oilers currently have players like Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak, but beyond them, their options are limited. The Oilers have often relied on a mix of right-shot defensemen playing on their off sides, creating a lack of balance in their defensive pairings. The right-shot defensemen on the team, including Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard, have proven to be offensive assets but are not necessarily as effective defensively, leading to issues in their own zone.

Having a left-shot defenseman would not only provide the Oilers with more depth on the left side but also balance out the defensive pairings. A solid left-handed option would allow the Oilers to separate their right-shot defensemen from one another, creating more stability and better matchups against opposing forwards. Additionally, adding a skilled left-shot defender who can play both ends of the rink could greatly improve the team’s overall defensive structure, particularly in the transition game and in terms of penalty killing.

Bowman and the Oilers’ management team are likely looking for a defenseman who can provide more than just physicality or shot-blocking; they need someone who can contribute to both ends of the ice, be responsible in their own zone, and possess the skating ability to move the puck efficiently. The Oilers need someone who can step in and be a key player in high-pressure situations and provide another option to allow Nurse and Kulak to focus on their own roles.

The Search for a Forward: Scoring Depth and Two-Way Play

In addition to looking for a defenseman, the Oilers are also focused on acquiring a forward. While McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins provide one of the league’s most potent top lines, the depth scoring beyond the top six has been inconsistent throughout the season. Injuries, slumps, and players not living up to expectations have contributed to the lack of secondary scoring, a problem that has been plaguing the Oilers for several years.

The addition of a forward could fill several roles. Ideally, the Oilers are looking for a versatile player who can contribute offensively while also providing a solid two-way game. With the playoff race heating up, having a forward who can step into the top six or fill a bottom-six role while providing depth scoring could make all the difference when it comes to creating matchups against opponents in the postseason.

In particular, the Oilers may be targeting a forward who can contribute on the power play. Despite having one of the most lethal power-play units in the league, the Oilers still have occasional struggles with consistency in their special teams. Adding a player who can make an impact with the man advantage, in addition to helping with even-strength production, would provide a significant boost to the team’s overall depth. A forward who can add secondary scoring on the power play would be a huge asset, especially in high-pressure playoff games where every goal is crucial.

Moreover, Bowman may be looking for someone who can help improve the Oilers’ defensive play. While McDavid and Draisaitl are the team’s main offensive threats, the Oilers have often been criticized for their lack of defensive responsibility from their forwards. Adding a two-way forward—someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively—could be a key factor in providing balance to the lineup. A player who can contribute in all zones of the ice will not only add scoring depth but also improve the Oilers’ ability to defend against other teams’ high-scoring forwards.

What Kind of Left-Shot Defenseman and Forward Are the Oilers Looking For?

Bowman has been quite open about the Oilers’ needs, confirming that the team is targeting a left-shot defenseman and a forward. However, there are some key qualities the Oilers will likely prioritize when pursuing potential targets.

The Left-Shot Defenseman

The ideal left-shot defenseman for the Oilers would be someone who is capable of playing top-four minutes and contributing both offensively and defensively. Here are some qualities the Oilers may seek in a left-shot defenseman:

1. Defensive Reliability: The Oilers need a defenseman who can consistently break up opposing rushes, block shots, and maintain positioning in the defensive zone. The player must have a strong ability to read the play and make quick decisions.
2. Puck-Moving Ability: A key aspect of any modern NHL defenseman is the ability to move the puck efficiently. The Oilers are a fast-paced team that relies on their defensemen to transition the puck up the ice quickly. A defenseman who can distribute the puck well, either by passing or skating it out of the zone, would be invaluable.
3. Penalty Killing: The Oilers’ penalty kill has been inconsistent in recent years. Adding a defenseman who is reliable on the penalty kill would allow the Oilers to match up better against teams with dangerous power-play units, particularly in high-stakes playoff games.
4. Physicality: While not necessarily a must-have, a defenseman who can engage physically in battles along the boards and in front of the net could add an element of grit to the Oilers’ back end. They need someone who can handle the physicality of a playoff series.

The Forward

For the forward, Bowman is likely looking for a player who can help with both scoring and defensive coverage. Here are the qualities the Oilers might prioritize:

1. Scoring Ability: The Oilers need a forward who can provide offense, particularly in the bottom six or middle six, to relieve pressure from McDavid and Draisaitl. The ideal forward would have a strong ability to contribute to the offense and not just rely on others to make plays for them.
2. Versatility: The ability to play on both the power play and penalty kill would make this forward even more valuable. A player who can slot in anywhere on the lineup, from the top six to the bottom six, would offer the Oilers the flexibility to adjust their lineup depending on matchups.
3. Two-Way Play: A player who is responsible in their own zone is crucial, particularly for a team like the Oilers, who sometimes struggle defensively. A forward who is known for their commitment to both ends of the ice would be a smart addition.
4. Playoff Experience: Given the Oilers’ aspirations of competing for the Stanley Cup, having a player who has experienced the rigors of playoff hockey and can rise to the occasion would be beneficial. A player with a strong playoff pedigree would bring both leadership and poise to the locker room.

Potential Trade Targets for the Oilers

Now that we understand what the Oilers are looking for, let’s consider some potential trade targets that might meet these needs. These are just a few examples of players who could be a fit for the Oilers’ current roster, though the market will continue to evolve as we approach the trade deadline.

1. Vladislav Gavrikov (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Gavrikov, a left-shot defenseman, could be a strong fit for the Oilers. Known for his defensive reliability and physical play, Gavrikov would provide much-needed stability on the Oilers’ back end. He has a strong shot-blocking presence and is capable of contributing to the power play, making him an intriguing target.

2. J.T. Miller (Vancouver Canucks)

Miller is a versatile forward who can play both center and wing, adding depth and scoring potential. Known for his physicality and two-way game, Miller would add an element of grit and leadership to the Oilers’ lineup. His ability to contribute on the power play and penalty kill would make him a valuable asset for Edmonton.

3. Jacob Chychrun (Ottawa Senators)

Chychrun is another left-shot defenseman that could be a fit for the Oilers. A mobile and offensive-minded defenseman, Chychrun could add another dimension to the Oilers’ back end. His ability to skate the puck out of the zone and contribute offensively would complement the Oilers’ style of play.

4. Tanner Pearson (Vancouver Canucks)

Pearson is a reliable forward who can contribute in a middle-six role. His ability to score goals and play a responsible two-way game could help the Oilers’ depth scoring. While not a superstar, Pearson brings a level of stability and could fit well into the Oilers’ forward lines.