Adding a top-four defender needs to be the Oilers’ top priority before the trade deadline

As the 2025 NHL trade deadline draws near, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a position of both opportunity and urgency. With one of the most dynamic offensive duos in hockey—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—the Oilers are an undeniable force at the top of the league’s scoring charts. However, despite their offensive firepower, the team continues to struggle in key areas, especially when it comes to defense. For the Oilers to make a deep playoff run and finally compete for a Stanley Cup, they must address their defensive weaknesses, with the top priority being the acquisition of a top-four defenseman.

The Oilers’ defensive issues have been well-documented for several seasons. While the team has made strides with the emergence of Evan Bouchard as a dynamic puck-moving defenseman and Darnell Nurse’s physicality and leadership, the blue line remains a work in progress. The Oilers’ defensive depth has been inconsistent, and their ability to shut down opposing offenses in critical moments has been a recurring issue. As a result, despite the team’s explosive offense, the Oilers often find themselves in high-scoring games where defensive lapses and an inability to limit scoring chances can derail their efforts.

With the postseason on the horizon and the team needing to make an impact in the regular season, the time has come for general manager Ken Holland to prioritize the acquisition of a top-four defenseman before the trade deadline. Adding such a player would help the Oilers solidify their defensive corps, provide stability on the blue line, and give them a better chance to compete against high-caliber teams in the playoffs. In this article, we will explore why the addition of a top-four defender should be the Oilers’ top priority before the trade deadline and how such a move could significantly impact the team’s chances of success.

The Oilers’ Current Defensive Struggles

Despite having star forwards in McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers have been consistently plagued by defensive issues. While the team’s offense is among the league’s best, their defense often fails to complement it, leading to lopsided results and inconsistency in their overall game. Let’s break down some of the key areas where the Oilers’ defense has been lacking:

1. Inconsistent Defensive Pairings

The Oilers have struggled to find the right defensive pairings that can provide both offensive and defensive balance. Darnell Nurse, the team’s top defenseman, has been forced to shoulder much of the workload on the blue line, but he has struggled at times with consistency. Nurse’s physical play and leadership make him a valuable asset, but his offensive contributions are often overshadowed by his defensive lapses.

Evan Bouchard has emerged as a talented puck-moving defenseman, but he is still learning to mature as a well-rounded defender. While Bouchard has a solid shot and is capable of contributing to the power play, he has shown signs of being vulnerable in his own end, especially when it comes to defending against high-pressure situations. With Bouchard still growing into his role, the Oilers need a reliable veteran presence who can step up in critical moments and help stabilize the blue line.

Beyond Nurse and Bouchard, the Oilers’ defensive pairings have lacked depth. The third pairing, in particular, has been inconsistent and prone to breakdowns. Players such as Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak, and others have had their moments, but they have not provided the stability needed to make the Oilers’ defense a consistent strength. The Oilers need to add a top-four defenseman who can fit seamlessly into the lineup and strengthen the overall structure of their defense.

2. Defensive Zone Coverage and Transition Play

Another area where the Oilers struggle defensively is in their own zone. Too often, the team fails to clear the puck effectively, leading to sustained pressure from the opposition and an increased number of high-danger chances. While the Oilers are capable of playing an up-tempo, puck-moving style, they are often caught out of position when it comes to defending in the defensive zone. Opponents regularly exploit the Oilers’ defensive zone coverage, and the lack of a shutdown presence leaves the team vulnerable to quick scoring plays.

The transition from defense to offense also remains an issue for the Oilers. While Bouchard and Nurse have the ability to move the puck and create plays from the back end, the overall execution in transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone is inconsistent. Against better teams with faster forechecks, the Oilers often struggle to break the puck out efficiently, which leads to turnovers and defensive breakdowns. A top-four defenseman with a strong two-way game would help improve the team’s ability to break the puck out of the zone and establish more offensive possession.

3. Lack of a True Shutdown Defenseman

One of the Oilers’ most glaring needs is the addition of a true shutdown defenseman. While Nurse can play a physical game and has the potential to be a shutdown player, he has not been able to consistently handle top opposing players or consistently shut down the opposition’s best lines. The Oilers need a defenseman who can match up against top-tier forwards and handle difficult assignments, especially in high-pressure moments in the playoffs.

A true shutdown defender would also provide more flexibility for the Oilers’ defensive pairings, allowing Nurse and Bouchard to play to their strengths without the added pressure of having to handle the top offensive players from the opposition. With a reliable shutdown defender, the Oilers would be able to match up more effectively against teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and other Western Conference contenders who boast potent offenses.

The Impact of Adding a Top-Four Defenseman

Acquiring a top-four defenseman would have a profound impact on the Oilers’ lineup and overall chances of success. Let’s take a closer look at how such an acquisition would benefit the team:

1. Improved Defensive Stability

A top-four defenseman would immediately provide the Oilers with more stability on the blue line. With a reliable presence in the top four, the team could better handle the challenges posed by high-end offensive players. The Oilers would be able to more effectively limit opposing team’s chances and avoid the defensive breakdowns that have plagued them in past seasons.

With a more balanced defensive corps, the Oilers would also be able to better protect their goaltenders, reducing the number of high-danger shots they face. This would give goaltenders Stuart Skinner and any potential backup more confidence in their ability to make saves without being hung out to dry by defensive lapses. With stronger defense, the team as a whole would have more success in keeping the puck out of their own net.

2. Enhanced Transition Play

A top-four defenseman would bring a higher level of puck-moving ability, which is essential for the Oilers’ fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. By adding a defenseman who excels in moving the puck out of the zone, the Oilers would be able to generate more offensive opportunities while minimizing the pressure on their forwards to constantly win puck battles in their own end. This would also allow the Oilers to spend less time in their own zone and more time attacking the opposition’s net.

The Oilers have the offensive talent to dominate when they are able to generate zone entries and sustain offensive pressure. Adding a top-four defender with a strong first pass or ability to quarterback a breakout would help increase the frequency of offensive opportunities. This would relieve some of the pressure from McDavid and Draisaitl, giving them more chances to operate in the offensive zone rather than being forced to play in transition constantly.

3. Playoff Readiness

In the postseason, defense becomes even more critical. With the Oilers’ offensive depth often being a question mark, especially in the bottom six, the team’s defense will need to step up in big moments. A top-four defenseman would provide the Oilers with an added layer of security when facing top-tier playoff opponents. The ability to neutralize the opposition’s top players and shut down dangerous scoring chances is crucial for any team with championship aspirations.

With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers need a defense that can complement their stars, help weather the storm in tight games, and capitalize on opportunities when they arise. A top-four defenseman could be the missing piece the Oilers need to become a true contender. The defenseman’s ability to play heavy minutes in all situations, including on the penalty kill and in the final minutes of close games, would be invaluable in the postseason.

Potential Trade Targets for the Oilers

As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers have several potential targets who could fill the top-four defensive void. Here are a few names that could be on Ken Holland’s radar:

1. Mattias Ekholm (Nashville Predators)

Ekholm has long been one of the most consistent and reliable defensemen in the NHL. A strong two-way defenseman, Ekholm would provide the Oilers with the shutdown presence they need while also contributing offensively. His physical play, leadership, and ability to play in all situations make him an ideal fit for the Oilers. Ekholm would provide the Oilers with a steady presence in their top-four while also adding experience and reliability in the postseason.

2. Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes)

Chychrun is a young, dynamic defenseman who excels both offensively and defensively. Known for his ability to play in all situations, Chychrun would give the Oilers a significant boost on the blue line. He would complement Nurse and Bouchard, providing both shutdown ability and offensive skill. His age and potential make him an appealing long-term asset, and his acquisition would help solidify the Oilers’ defense for years to come.

3. John Klingberg (Anaheim Ducks)

While Klingberg is not known for his defensive prowess, he is an excellent puck-mover and power-play specialist. The Oilers could benefit from his ability to transition the puck and create offensive opportunities from the blue line. While he may not provide the same level of shutdown defense as others, Klingberg would give the Oilers more offensive depth from the back end and would improve their power play.