“Edmonton has gotten stronger & they’ve gotten deeper.” Tony, Jack & Paige discuss the #Oilers trade deadline with the additions of Jake Walman, Trent Frederic & Max Jones, the defence pairings & the latest on Evander Kane.

As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Edmonton Oilers are making it clear that they’re going all-in on the postseason. After a season marked by strong performances from their top stars, the Oilers have now bolstered their roster with several key additions: defenseman Jake Walman, forward Trent Frederic, and winger Max Jones. These moves have sent a message to the rest of the league that the Oilers are looking to strengthen both their depth and overall team balance as they make a push for the Stanley Cup.

In a roundtable discussion, Tony, Jack, and Paige break down these recent acquisitions and what they mean for the Oilers moving forward. From analyzing the new defensive pairings to evaluating how the forward group is shaping up, we’ll cover all the key elements of the trade deadline moves and discuss how they affect the Oilers’ chances of making a deep playoff run.

Strengthening the Roster: A Step Towards Contending

The Oilers’ decision to make these additions has been met with optimism. As Tony points out, “Edmonton has gotten stronger, and they’ve gotten deeper.” The team’s management understood that to truly contend for the Stanley Cup, they needed to address some key weaknesses, particularly on defense and in terms of overall roster depth. The Oilers have a world-class offensive duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but playoff hockey requires more than just top-end talent. It requires depth across all four lines and six defense pairings, plus solid goaltending. These acquisitions are a clear sign that the Oilers are aiming to balance their team and become a legitimate contender.

The New Additions: What Walman, Frederic, and Jones Bring to the Table

Jake Walman: A Defensive Stabilizer

Jake Walman, a 6’2″, 215-pound left-handed defenseman, was one of the most sought-after defensive players at the deadline, and the Oilers made a savvy move to acquire him. Walman is known for his physical play and solid defensive zone coverage. A former second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, Walman has steadily developed into a reliable two-way defenseman, adding depth to a blue line that has sometimes been seen as a weak spot for the Oilers.

Tony highlights Walman’s impact: “He’s a big, tough defenseman who can step up when needed. He’s not the flashiest guy, but he’s steady, and that’s exactly what the Oilers need.” Walman’s ability to play against tough competition and his knack for clearing the front of the net will help stabilize the Oilers’ defensive pairings, particularly in high-pressure situations like the playoffs.

Paige adds that Walman’s physicality is a welcome addition to a defensive group that has occasionally been caught out of position or unable to engage physically in key moments. “The Oilers need more grit in the defensive zone. They’ve gotten that with Walman,” she explains. By being a reliable presence in his own zone and capable of contributing on the penalty kill, Walman allows the Oilers to strengthen their defensive depth.

Trent Frederic: A Tough, Versatile Forward

Trent Frederic’s acquisition brings a different dynamic to the Oilers. At 6’3″, 214 pounds, Frederic is a hard-nosed, gritty forward who brings a combination of size and skill. He’s been known to agitate opponents and engage in physical play, often providing a spark for his team. Although Frederic isn’t a prolific goal-scorer, he has the ability to contribute on both ends of the ice and can play a key role in the bottom six.

Jack discusses Frederic’s fit with the Oilers: “He brings a physical presence on the forecheck, and that’s something the Oilers could use. They’ve had trouble getting under the skin of opposing teams at times, and Frederic can help with that.” In a playoff series, where emotions run high, having someone like Frederic who can disrupt opposing forwards and provide some much-needed energy could prove to be a critical element for the Oilers’ success.

Paige agrees, noting that Frederic’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Oilers’ forward lines. “He can be a pest, and you need players like that in the postseason. It’s about getting under the other team’s skin and throwing them off their game, especially when you’re going up against a deep, hard-hitting team.” Frederic’s physicality will be an asset in the grueling playoff battles, where every shift counts.

Max Jones: Adding More Speed and Energy

Max Jones, another forward acquired by the Oilers, adds another layer of speed and energy to the team. Known for his skating and hard-nosed style, Jones is a 6’1″, 210-pound winger who can contribute both offensively and physically. He’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice, and he’s been known to make an impact with his speed and willingness to drive the net.

Tony notes that Jones’s ability to create offensive chances is crucial for a team that relies on fast transitions and quick offensive plays. “He’s fast, and he’s hungry to get to the net. He’s the kind of player who’ll win puck battles along the boards and create havoc in the offensive zone.” Jones is a perfect complement to a team that thrives on speed, and his presence will make the Oilers more unpredictable offensively, providing additional options on the forecheck and in transition.

Additionally, Paige mentions that Jones’s size and ability to battle for pucks make him a great addition to the Oilers’ bottom six. “Jones is the type of player you want on your team in a playoff series,” she says. “He’s going to do the hard work in the corners and take the body when necessary. That kind of grit could really be valuable when things get physical in the postseason.”

Defense Pairings: A New Look for the Blue Line

With the addition of Jake Walman, the Oilers now have more flexibility in terms of their defensive pairings. The question becomes: how will the coaching staff align the defensemen for maximum effectiveness? Currently, the Oilers have a strong top pairing in Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, but adding Walman allows for a more balanced defensive unit.

Tony suggests that Walman’s presence might allow the Oilers to separate their top defenders into two balanced pairings. “Walman can slot in with someone like Evan Bouchard, giving them a physical presence on the back end while Bouchard takes on more of the offensive duties. It’s a combination of offense and defense that should work well for them.” Walman’s ability to protect the net and his physical play will free up Bouchard to join the rush and add to the Oilers’ offensive attack.

Jack mentions that the Oilers should consider using Walman on a pairing with a player like Brett Kulak or Vincent Desharnais, who have shown themselves to be reliable defensively. This would allow Walman to play to his strengths, and the pairing would benefit from having a solid two-way player alongside him.

Paige points out that having three solid defensemen—Nurse, Ceci, and Walman—could allow the Oilers to be more flexible when it comes to matchups in the playoffs. “If you have two shutdown pairings, it gives you more options depending on who you’re facing in the postseason,” she says. “The ability to mix and match defensive pairings could be invaluable when you’re up against teams with dangerous top lines.”

Evander Kane: The Latest on His Status

Another significant storyline for the Oilers is the status of Evander Kane. Kane has been an important part of the team’s offensive depth, but his health and availability remain a concern. After sustaining an injury earlier in the season, Kane’s timeline for return has been the subject of speculation.

Jack brings up that Kane’s return would provide a huge boost to the Oilers, especially with the acquisitions made at the trade deadline. “Adding Walman, Frederic, and Jones is great, but if you get Kane back, that just adds even more depth to your forward group. He’s a dynamic winger who can score and get to the net.” Kane’s ability to contribute on both sides of the puck will help balance the Oilers’ attack, and having him in the lineup would only increase their chances in a playoff run.

Tony concurs, adding that Kane’s experience in high-pressure situations would be invaluable in the postseason. “Kane has been through the grind of the playoffs before, and that experience matters. He’s a physical presence on the ice and a player who can score when it counts.” With Kane’s toughness and scoring ability, the Oilers would be even more dangerous in the playoffs, especially when facing tough, physical teams.