To fill the top four vacancy, NHL analyst Frankie Corrado suggests the Edmonton Oilers trade for a veteran who has won two Stanley Cups.

The Edmonton Oilers have long been one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL, thanks to the incredible talents of players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman. Yet, despite their offensive firepower, the team’s defensive group has often been seen as a potential weakness. With aspirations of competing for a Stanley Cup, the Oilers must address their defensive depth, particularly on the blue line. The departure of some key players, combined with inconsistent performances from others, has left a vacancy in their top four defensemen. This has led NHL analyst Frankie Corrado to suggest that the Oilers pursue a trade for a veteran defenseman who has won two Stanley Cups to fill this gap and bolster their chances of securing the ultimate prize.

In this article, we will explore the need for a veteran presence in Edmonton’s defensive corps, Corrado’s suggestion of a trade, and how such a move could help the Oilers in their quest for another championship.

The Oilers’ Top Four Defense Dilemma

As the 2024-2025 NHL season progresses, the Edmonton Oilers are finding themselves in a familiar position: their high-scoring offense is leading the charge, but the defense is raising questions. While the Oilers’ forwards are more than capable of putting the puck in the back of the net, the defensive group has often struggled to hold leads, especially in tight games against teams that rely on heavy forechecking and fast-paced transitions.

For years, the Oilers have been in search of the elusive, reliable defenseman to complement their dynamic forward group. General Manager Ken Holland and the Oilers’ front office have made moves to improve the defense, but they have yet to land that one, proven top-four blueliner capable of logging heavy minutes and providing stability.

As the trade deadline approaches, there is growing speculation that the Oilers will target a veteran defenseman who can not only contribute defensively but also provide leadership and experience. One particular gap that has been evident is the need for a defenseman who can play a big role in both special teams and five-on-five situations. Ideally, this player would complement the top pairing of Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci and provide additional depth behind them. The vacancy in the top four is something the Oilers need to address to ensure they’re ready for the grueling playoff grind.

Why a Stanley Cup-Winning Veteran Makes Sense

The Edmonton Oilers have the offensive firepower to win on any given night. However, without a solid defense and the right veteran presence, they risk falling short when it counts most. To truly contend for a Stanley Cup, the Oilers need a defenseman who not only brings skill and defensive responsibility but also knows what it takes to succeed on the league’s biggest stage. This is where a veteran who has won two Stanley Cups comes into play.

According to Frankie Corrado, adding a proven Stanley Cup winner to the Oilers’ defensive group would give the team the stability and experience it needs to thrive in the postseason. Corrado, a former NHL defenseman and current analyst, understands the intricacies of building a championship team. He emphasizes that a veteran with multiple Cups under their belt can provide leadership, help younger players grow, and provide an added dimension to the team during high-pressure moments.

The value of Stanley Cup experience cannot be overstated. While the Oilers have talented players who have been to the postseason, such as McDavid and Draisaitl, adding a veteran defenseman who has won championships will give the team a calming influence on the blue line and in the locker room. This type of player knows how to handle adversity and can step up in clutch moments, such as a late-game penalty kill or a high-pressure series in the playoffs.

In addition to leadership, a veteran with two Stanley Cups brings a level of consistency and maturity to the defense. Many of the Oilers’ younger defensemen have the potential to be top-pairing contributors but may not yet possess the consistency required to excel in high-stakes games. A veteran presence could help smooth out the rough patches and ensure that Edmonton’s defense is firing on all cylinders come playoff time.

Who Is the Ideal Trade Target?

Now that we understand why adding a Stanley Cup-winning defenseman makes sense for the Oilers, the next logical question is: who should the Oilers target? There are several defensemen on the market who fit the bill of being both experienced and highly skilled, but Frankie Corrado has specifically pointed out veteran blueliner Erik Johnson as a potential target for Edmonton.

Erik Johnson: The Ideal Trade Target

Erik Johnson is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche, having won back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. While he is not the flashiest player on the ice, Johnson’s experience, physicality, and defensive reliability have made him a crucial part of Colorado’s blue line for several years. At 36 years old, Johnson’s best years may be behind him, but his leadership, defensive acumen, and ability to step up when needed make him an attractive option for a team like the Oilers looking to shore up their defense for a deep playoff run.

Johnson’s playoff pedigree is invaluable. In both of Colorado’s Stanley Cup-winning campaigns, he played a crucial role in shutting down top offensive players and contributing to the team’s defensive stability. His ability to play in high-pressure moments would make him an excellent mentor to the Oilers’ younger defensemen, including Evan Bouchard and Philip Broberg, as they continue to develop their skills.

The Oilers would benefit from Johnson’s steadying influence on the back end, as he is known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to make simple, effective plays in the defensive zone. Johnson also brings a physical edge to his game, something that could help counter the fast, physical teams that tend to thrive in the playoffs.

In addition to his defensive abilities, Johnson’s leadership in the locker room would help guide the Oilers’ young players through the grind of a postseason run. Having a Stanley Cup-winning veteran like Johnson would give Edmonton the perfect blend of experience, toughness, and reliability, particularly in critical situations.

Potential Trade Scenarios

While Erik Johnson could be a key target for the Oilers, acquiring him won’t come without its challenges. First and foremost, the Oilers must work within their salary cap constraints, and Johnson’s contract (which carries a cap hit of around $3.5 million) may require some maneuvering. The Oilers have limited cap space, so any trade would likely require them to send out a contract or two in exchange for Johnson.

A potential trade could involve the Oilers sending a combination of draft picks, prospects, and a player or two from their current roster to make the deal work. It’s also worth noting that Johnson has a no-trade clause, so the Oilers would need to get his approval for any trade.

Additionally, there are other Stanley Cup-winning veterans who could be potential targets for the Oilers, depending on the trade market. Ryan McDonagh of the Tampa Bay Lightning, for example, has three Stanley Cup titles and would be another ideal candidate. However, acquiring McDonagh would come with a higher price tag and might be less feasible due to his contract.

Another potential target is Duncan Keith, who recently retired after winning multiple Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. Though Keith is no longer available, there are still other veterans on the market who could provide a similar skill set to fill the top-four void.

How a Trade Could Impact the Oilers

The addition of a veteran defenseman like Erik Johnson would significantly strengthen the Oilers’ defense. With the addition of a reliable, Stanley Cup-winning presence, the Oilers could see immediate improvements in their defensive zone coverage, penalty killing, and overall stability in high-pressure situations.

In the playoff race, a player like Johnson would help ensure that the Oilers are not only competitive offensively but are also capable of shutting down high-powered offenses from other teams. Johnson’s size, defensive responsibility, and experience could give Edmonton the edge it needs in tight playoff games.

Additionally, Johnson’s leadership would help the Oilers foster a more well-rounded team dynamic. Having a player who has been through the trials of multiple playoff series, including those that culminated in championships, could help inspire and mentor the Oilers’ young stars, giving them the knowledge and confidence to take their game to the next level.