To complement Draisaitl, may the Edmonton Oilers be trying to acquire a more seasoned winger through trade?
As the Edmonton Oilers continue their pursuit of the ultimate goal—the Stanley Cup—the focus is shifting toward solidifying the roster around their two biggest stars: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers have undoubtedly become one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL, with McDavid and Draisaitl at the heart of their attack. However, despite the duo’s incredible abilities, the team has often fallen short of championship contention. This raises the question: Could the Oilers be exploring options to acquire a more seasoned winger through trade to complement Draisaitl’s skillset and create a more balanced offensive attack?
The need for additional scoring depth alongside McDavid and Draisaitl has become more apparent as the Oilers have faced challenges in the postseason. While McDavid and Draisaitl’s chemistry is undeniable, the Oilers have at times struggled to find consistent secondary scoring to take the pressure off their star forwards. With the right winger in place, the Oilers could bolster their top-six forwards and give Draisaitl the support he needs to help carry the team in a deep playoff run.
This article explores the possible rationale behind the Oilers’ pursuit of a more experienced winger, evaluating the team’s needs, the potential trade options, and how such a move could impact their quest for the Cup.
The Draisaitl-McDavid Dynamic
Before diving into potential trade targets, it’s important to consider the existing dynamic between Draisaitl and McDavid, who are arguably the best one-two punch in the NHL. Both players possess elite-level skills, with McDavid’s speed and playmaking ability complementing Draisaitl’s precise shooting and playmaking vision.
Draisaitl, who has earned back-to-back 50-goal seasons and is one of the league’s top point producers, has found great success playing alongside McDavid. The two have forged a natural synergy, creating one of the most potent offensive duos the league has seen in recent memory. However, there’s a key challenge: as dominant as McDavid and Draisaitl are together, they sometimes lack complementary pieces to elevate their line to the next level, particularly in crucial playoff games.
While Zach Hyman and Evander Kane have had moments of brilliance on Draisaitl’s wings, neither player has consistently proven to be a long-term, top-tier partner for the German forward. This leaves a significant gap in the Oilers’ top-six, especially when teams face off against the Oilers in high-pressure situations. This is where the idea of adding a more seasoned winger to complement Draisaitl becomes essential.
Why a More Seasoned Winger?
Draisaitl and McDavid are often double-teamed by opposing defenses, and this opens up a need for secondary scoring threats. The Oilers cannot solely rely on their two superstars to carry the load throughout the entire season, particularly in the high-stakes atmosphere of the playoffs.
A more experienced winger could provide multiple benefits:
- Balance the Top-Six: Having a well-rounded, skilled winger who can complement both Draisaitl and McDavid would ensure that the Oilers’ top-six forwards are more well-rounded and difficult to defend against. With one top line already featuring two of the most prolific players in the NHL, having another dynamic scoring threat on the second line would create a nightmare scenario for opposing coaches.
- Secondary Scoring: It’s no secret that teams tend to focus on shutting down the McDavid-Draisaitl duo. Adding a more seasoned winger would create a balanced attack, making it harder for opponents to zero in on just one or two offensive threats.
- Leadership and Experience: The Oilers have a mix of young players and veterans on their roster. However, bringing in an experienced winger who has been through the rigors of the playoffs and has proven success in high-pressure situations would provide a calming influence in the locker room and during games. It could also help in mentoring the younger players, particularly as the Oilers look to make a deep playoff run.
- Power Play Improvements: With one of the most potent power plays in the league, the Oilers could benefit from a winger who can provide additional skill and net-front presence on the man advantage. A player who has a knack for tipping pucks or finishing off McDavid’s incredible passes would only add to the Oilers’ already formidable power play.
Trade Targets: Wingers Who Could Fit the Bill
If the Oilers are indeed exploring the trade market for a seasoned winger, there are several potential targets they could pursue. These players bring experience, skill, and a track record of success, making them ideal candidates to slot in alongside Draisaitl.
1. Timo Meier (San Jose Sharks)
Timo Meier is one of the top wingers on the trade block and could be the perfect fit for the Oilers. The San Jose Sharks forward is known for his physical play and ability to score from almost anywhere on the ice. Meier is coming off a 35-goal season and has shown he can be a consistent top-line scorer in the NHL. He also plays a hard-nosed, two-way game, which could be valuable in both even-strength and special teams situations.
Meier’s ability to shoot the puck and play with physicality would make him an ideal complement to Draisaitl. His presence on the second line would provide the Oilers with the type of power-forward mentality they need, while still contributing offensively at a high level. Moreover, Meier’s playoff experience and ability to perform under pressure would add an invaluable element to the team as they aim for a championship.
2. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
Although the Chicago Blackhawks are in a rebuild, Patrick Kane remains one of the most skilled and accomplished wingers in the NHL. Kane’s vision, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess are still among the best in the league, even as he ages. Kane has a history of thriving in big moments, with three Stanley Cups to his name.
Pairing Kane with Draisaitl could create an incredible offensive combination, as Kane’s ability to set up plays and find open ice would mesh well with Draisaitl’s goal-scoring and playmaking. Although Kane’s defensive play has been questioned at times, his offensive production would more than make up for it in a high-powered system like Edmonton’s. Furthermore, Kane’s experience and leadership in playoff scenarios would add depth to a roster looking to make a deep playoff run.
3. Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis Blues)
Another veteran winger who could make an immediate impact on the Oilers is Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues. Tarasenko is a dynamic scorer who has consistently put up strong numbers throughout his career, including a 40-goal season in 2019. While he’s not quite the same player as he was during his peak years, Tarasenko is still an elite shooter and a proven playoff performer.
Tarasenko’s ability to score from distance and his prowess in tight spaces make him a perfect fit alongside Draisaitl. He’s also a strong presence on the power play, a key element for the Oilers. Adding a player of Tarasenko’s caliber would provide the Oilers with another elite sniper and someone capable of taking advantage of McDavid’s playmaking.
4. Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)
If the Oilers are looking for a more physical and gritty winger to complement Draisaitl, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche could be a strong addition. Landeskog is known for his leadership, physicality, and ability to drive to the net. As a captain of the Avalanche, he brings a winning mentality and valuable playoff experience.
Landeskog is also a versatile forward who can contribute to all areas of the game, including even-strength, special teams, and leadership. His ability to get to the front of the net and finish off plays would be a perfect complement to Draisaitl’s more finesse-based game.
5. William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs)
A more intriguing but perhaps unlikely target for the Oilers could be William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nylander is an elite skater and offensive player with an impressive offensive skill set. Although he is often overshadowed by the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner in Toronto, Nylander has proven that he is capable of being a top-line forward with consistent scoring and playmaking.
Pairing Nylander with Draisaitl could form a dynamic duo, as Nylander’s speed and vision would allow him to complement Draisaitl’s playmaking ability. His versatility on the power play and ability to contribute in all situations could make him a game-changer for the Oilers.
Impact on the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Quest
Acquiring a seasoned winger would give the Oilers an added layer of depth, making them a more complete team heading into the postseason. It would allow Draisaitl to be more effective by playing with a capable and experienced partner who can take advantage of the space created by McDavid. Furthermore, it would reduce the reliance on their top two stars to carry the entire offensive load.
In the ultra-competitive Western Conference, where teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars are constantly improving, the Oilers need to surround McDavid and Draisaitl with the talent necessary to make a serious playoff run. Adding a top winger to complement Draisaitl would go a long way in providing the Oilers with the scoring depth they need to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Conclusion
The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of becoming one of the most dangerous teams in the league, and adding a more seasoned winger to complement Leon Draisaitl could be the final piece to elevate them to true championship contention. Whether it’s a player like Timo Meier, Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, Gabriel Landeskog, or William Nylander, the Oilers have a variety of options on the trade market that could help solidify their top-six and provide the secondary scoring they need.
With Connor McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers are already an elite team, but a well-timed trade for a seasoned winger could push them over the top and into the ranks of legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. As the NHL trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see if they can pull off a move that secures their place as one of the most formidable teams in the league.
