The Edmonton Oilers are linked to four trade deadline options that aren’t widely known.

As the 2024-2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are once again in the spotlight, with eyes set on another deep playoff run. With a roster already boasting one of the most dynamic duos in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers’ biggest hurdle remains their inability to consistently defend and secure reliable goaltending. Despite their offensive prowess, these weaknesses have often been exposed in the postseason, and general manager Ken Holland knows the team must shore up its defensive corps and special teams to ensure they are not once again left behind in the chase for the Stanley Cup.

While the Oilers are expected to pursue well-known trade targets in the coming weeks, there are several under-the-radar options that could make a significant impact. These players, often flying under the radar for various reasons, possess qualities that would fill immediate needs for Edmonton. Let’s take a closer look at four lesser-known trade deadline options that the Oilers could target to help push them closer to their championship aspirations.

1. Vladislav Gavrikov (Columbus Blue Jackets)

One name that has been mentioned less frequently than other big-ticket defensemen, but could be an ideal fit for the Oilers, is Vladislav Gavrikov. A left-shot defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Gavrikov has flown under the radar as a potential trade candidate due to the overall struggles of the Blue Jackets as a team. However, that’s exactly what could make him an attractive option for the Oilers.

Gavrikov is known for his steady, two-way play and defensive reliability, which is exactly what the Oilers need on their blue line. While he may not be a high-scoring threat, Gavrikov is a proven shutdown defender, capable of logging significant minutes in all situations, including on the penalty kill. His ability to break up plays and defend against skilled forwards is a skill set that Edmonton’s defense corps currently lacks. He would fit well alongside Darnell Nurse or Evan Bouchard, both of whom are more offensively oriented but need a solid partner to balance their play.

In addition, Gavrikov’s relative under-the-radar status means he could come at a more affordable price than some of the bigger names available on the market, like Jacob Chychrun or Erik Karlsson. With the Blue Jackets in rebuilding mode, they would likely be willing to move Gavrikov to a contender, and the Oilers would be smart to explore this option.

2. Joonas Donskoi (Seattle Kraken)

Though the Seattle Kraken have quickly established themselves as a competitive team in the Western Conference, they still have pieces on the trade block that could benefit other teams, especially those looking to bolster their depth. One such player is Joonas Donskoi, a versatile forward who would be an excellent addition to the Oilers’ bottom six.

Donskoi is a proven contributor in all three zones of the ice, with a well-rounded game that includes strong forechecking, penalty-killing ability, and reliable two-way play. He may not have the same flash or scoring pedigree as some of Edmonton’s top-six forwards, but his ability to chip in offensively and provide depth scoring is invaluable. Furthermore, his experience as a solid role player on a competitive team like the Kraken could prove vital as the Oilers continue to chase their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

While Donskoi isn’t a household name, his work ethic and well-rounded skill set make him an ideal fit on a team like Edmonton, where depth scoring has often been an issue. Adding him to the lineup would give head coach Jay Woodcroft additional flexibility in line combinations and special teams situations. Moreover, he wouldn’t require a significant trade package, making him an economical option for the Oilers as they search for more balance in their lineup.

3. Connor Brown (Washington Capitals)

Connor Brown, currently with the Washington Capitals, has been a consistent two-way forward in the NHL, known for his speed, work ethic, and defensive awareness. While he’s not a top-six offensive powerhouse, Brown has developed a reputation for being an efficient playmaker and penalty killer. His versatility to play both wing positions and his ability to thrive in both even-strength and special teams situations make him an intriguing trade target for the Oilers.

One of Edmonton’s recurring issues is a lack of depth scoring and penalty-killing prowess. While players like Draisaitl and McDavid lead the charge offensively, the team has often relied too heavily on those stars for offensive output. Brown could provide crucial secondary scoring, while also improving Edmonton’s penalty kill, an area where they have been inconsistent.

Brown’s experience with the Ottawa Senators and Capitals as a shutdown forward means he could be trusted with difficult assignments, including playing against top opposition forwards. His combination of speed, defensive awareness, and ability to chip in offensively would give the Oilers another reliable weapon. Brown’s price tag might not be astronomical either, especially with the Capitals likely eyeing a rebuild or a retool in the near future.

Adding Brown would not only help solidify the Oilers’ bottom-six forward group but also provide a much-needed presence on their penalty kill, where they have often struggled in high-pressure situations. Brown could be a low-risk, high-reward move that strengthens Edmonton in multiple areas without breaking the bank.

4. Mattias Ekholm (Nashville Predators)

Mattias Ekholm, the veteran defenseman for the Nashville Predators, is another trade target that could fly under the radar but is well worth considering for the Oilers. Ekholm is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman with a left shot, and while he isn’t known for putting up gaudy offensive numbers, he excels in his own end. His ability to shut down opposing forwards and make timely plays in transition would be a significant upgrade to Edmonton’s defense corps.

Ekholm has been one of the Predators’ most reliable players for years, often taking on the toughest matchups in all situations. In a playoff environment, his experience and physicality would be invaluable. For the Oilers, pairing Ekholm with someone like Bouchard, who is more offensive-minded, would give them a balanced defense pairing capable of handling both sides of the ice.

While Ekholm is more known for his defensive play, his ability to log heavy minutes and contribute to special teams gives him more value than a typical shutdown defenseman. He could help stabilize the Oilers’ defensive zone coverage and provide the kind of leadership and steadiness that the team currently lacks in their bottom-four defensive pairings. His size and ability to clear the crease would also be a significant asset in front of the Oilers’ goaltenders, who have been inconsistent throughout the season.

Adding Ekholm would be a big-ticket trade acquisition, but his price could be more reasonable than some of the other high-profile defensemen available. With the Predators in a retooling phase, Ekholm could be on the move to a contender like the Oilers, who need to make a significant upgrade to their blue line if they want to take the next step.