The Edmonton Oilers 2025 trade deadline tracker monitors acquisitions and departures, focusing on improving roster depth and defense.

The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and for the Edmonton Oilers, it could prove to be a pivotal moment in their quest for a Stanley Cup. Despite boasting one of the most lethal offensive duos in hockey—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—the Oilers have continued to face significant struggles in areas such as roster depth, defense, and goaltending. While McDavid and Draisaitl can carry the team offensively, the Oilers have long been criticized for their lack of consistency in other areas, especially on the blue line and within their bottom-six forward group.

As the team looks to make a push toward the postseason and possibly beyond, the pressure is on general manager Ken Holland and the Oilers’ front office to address these weaknesses. The 2025 trade deadline could be the opportunity they need to make strategic moves that bolster their roster depth and shore up their defense. This article will track the Edmonton Oilers’ trade deadline activity, analyzing potential acquisitions and departures, and evaluating how these moves may impact the team’s chances for playoff success. We will also take a closer look at the specific areas of need and potential targets on the market.

The Oilers’ Current Roster Situation

Heading into the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Edmonton Oilers are currently in a playoff position, but their spot is anything but secure. Their offense is undoubtedly one of the best in the league, but their lack of depth and defensive inconsistencies continue to hinder their overall success. The Oilers’ reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the team offensively is unsustainable in the long run, especially when facing deeper, more well-rounded teams in the playoffs.

Offensive Firepower

McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, continues to dazzle with his speed, vision, and playmaking abilities. Draisaitl, equally talented, serves as the perfect complement to McDavid, providing elite goal-scoring and playmaking of his own. Together, they form one of the most dominant duos in the NHL. Beyond McDavid and Draisaitl, players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane have been solid contributors, but the Oilers’ offensive depth has been inconsistent. Players such as Kailer Yamamoto, Warren Foegele, and Derek Ryan have all shown promise at times but have struggled to provide consistent secondary scoring.

This lack of depth in the forward group has left the Oilers vulnerable. Teams that can neutralize McDavid and Draisaitl in the playoffs often leave the Oilers’ supporting cast struggling to pick up the slack. To have a real chance at success, the Oilers need to add more depth scoring, particularly in their bottom-six forwards.

Defensive Struggles

The Oilers’ blue line has long been a point of concern, and despite some improvements over the years, it remains a weak link. Darnell Nurse is a solid top-pairing defenseman with a physical presence, and Evan Bouchard has shown considerable promise as a puck-moving defenseman. However, the team still lacks a true number-one defenseman to anchor the blue line. The Oilers have struggled to find the right mix of players to complement their offensive stars, leaving their defense prone to lapses and breakdowns, especially when facing high-pressure situations.

While the Oilers have had moments of defensive stability, they are often forced to rely on their offense to win games. Their defensive play can often put goaltenders in tough situations, and the lack of depth on the blue line makes it difficult for the team to be a complete, well-rounded unit. Heading into the trade deadline, acquiring a top-four defenseman or a reliable depth piece on the blue line will be one of the Oilers’ key priorities.

Goaltending Concerns

While Stuart Skinner has emerged as a capable starting goaltender for the Oilers, questions remain about the team’s goaltending depth. Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also had his fair share of inconsistency. Backup Jack Campbell has struggled with his play, leading to concerns about the team’s overall goaltending tandem. If Skinner were to go down with injury or fail to maintain his form in the postseason, the Oilers would be in a precarious position.

A more reliable backup or potential upgrade in the crease could make the difference between a deep playoff run and another disappointing exit. This situation gives Holland additional motivation to explore goaltending options before the trade deadline.

Areas of Need

As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers’ areas of need are clear: improved roster depth, defensive reinforcements, and goaltending depth. Let’s break down the specific areas the Oilers will be targeting and how they may address these needs:

1. Top-Four Defenseman

The Oilers’ top priority heading into the trade deadline is likely to acquire a top-four defenseman who can complement Nurse and Bouchard. While Nurse brings physicality and leadership to the blue line, the Oilers need a defenseman who can play in all situations and provide stability against top-tier opposition. Ideally, this player would have the ability to play a shutdown role, clear the crease, and contribute offensively when needed.

Adding a defensive presence would help balance the Oilers’ roster, especially in the postseason, where strong defense and goaltending are often the difference-makers. The Oilers also need depth on their third pairing to avoid the kind of defensive breakdowns that have plagued them in high-stress games.

2. Depth Scoring

In addition to improving their defense, the Oilers need to add more depth scoring. While McDavid and Draisaitl can carry the load offensively, the Oilers’ secondary scoring is inconsistent. With playoff games being tighter and more physical, the Oilers need more contributions from players beyond their top line. Adding a winger or center who can provide offensive punch on the second or third line would be a significant improvement for the team. A reliable depth scorer would also alleviate some of the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl to perform in every game.

Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman have been effective but have also struggled with inconsistency. A reliable secondary scorer would provide more balance and help ensure that the Oilers are not overly reliant on their stars to produce every night.

3. Goaltending Depth

Given Jack Campbell’s struggles, the Oilers may seek to improve their goaltending depth. While Skinner has proven himself capable of starting, a reliable backup option could provide added security. The Oilers need a veteran goaltender who can step in and win games if Skinner falters or is injured. A solid backup would also provide more confidence for the Oilers’ defense and make their overall goaltending tandem stronger.

Potential Trade Targets

As the deadline approaches, several players have emerged as potential targets for the Oilers. Here’s a look at some of the names the team may be interested in:

1. Top-Four Defensemen:

Mattias Ekholm (Nashville Predators): Ekholm is a veteran defenseman who could bring a strong defensive presence to the Oilers’ blue line. He is known for his physicality, shot-blocking, and ability to play in all situations. Ekholm would be a valuable addition to the Oilers’ top-four, providing much-needed stability alongside Nurse.

John Klingberg (Anaheim Ducks): Klingberg is a puck-moving defenseman who could complement Bouchard on the power play and in transition. While his defensive play can be a concern, Klingberg brings significant offensive upside, which could help the Oilers on the power play and in generating chances from the back end.

Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes): Chychrun is a young, talented defenseman who could address both the Oilers’ offensive and defensive needs. Known for his ability to move the puck and shut down top opponents, Chychrun would be a perfect fit in Edmonton’s top-four. His skillset would give the Oilers another solid two-way defenseman to pair with Nurse or Bouchard.

2. Depth Scorers:

Timo Meier (San Jose Sharks): Meier is a physical, goal-scoring winger who could slot into the Oilers’ top-six. His size and ability to score from anywhere on the ice would make him an ideal fit on a second or third line, providing more balance to the Oilers’ offense.

Tyler Toffoli (Calgary Flames): Toffoli is a proven scorer with a knack for finding the back of the net. He could add a scoring touch to the Oilers’ middle-six forwards and give them the depth they need for a postseason run. Toffoli’s experience and leadership would be valuable assets in a playoff series.

3. Goaltenders:

Jaroslav Halak (Vancouver Canucks): Halak is a veteran goaltender who has been a reliable backup in his career. He has extensive postseason experience and could be a strong option as a backup for Skinner. Halak’s ability to step in and provide solid performances when needed would give the Oilers a safety net in goal.

James Reimer (San Jose Sharks): Reimer is another veteran goaltender who has been solid throughout his career. He would be a reliable backup for Skinner and could step in if needed during the postseason. Like Halak, Reimer could provide depth and experience in the crease, ensuring that the Oilers are not vulnerable if Skinner struggles.