To bolster their bottom six and increase their defense and depth for the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers are looking at trade deadline options.

The Edmonton Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are one of the NHL’s most potent offensive teams. Their high-octane, fast-paced style has propelled them to success in the regular season, but when it comes to playoff time, depth, defense, and balance throughout the lineup become critical. While the Oilers’ top two lines are among the most dynamic in the NHL, the team’s bottom six has often been a point of concern. This is particularly true when it comes to their ability to defend, match physicality, and contribute offensively in high-pressure situations.

As the 2024-2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Oilers are keenly aware that their ultimate goal is not only to reach the playoffs but to make a deep run and secure their first Stanley Cup since 1990. In order to achieve this, they know that bolstering their bottom six and improving defensive depth are critical. With McDavid and Draisaitl driving the top lines, the Oilers must ensure that their supporting cast can contribute consistently in all areas of the game—especially during the intense, grinding nature of playoff hockey.

In this article, we will explore the Edmonton Oilers’ plans heading into the 2025 trade deadline, including their potential targets, strategic needs, and areas where they hope to strengthen their roster. We will also discuss possible trade scenarios and examine how certain additions could help the Oilers make a deeper postseason run.

The Bottom Six Conundrum

One of the primary areas of focus for the Oilers at the trade deadline is their bottom six forwards. While McDavid, Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman provide elite-level production on the first and second lines, the Oilers’ third and fourth lines have often lacked consistency and physicality, especially when it comes to competing with more defensively-oriented teams.

In the postseason, depth becomes crucial. The Oilers cannot rely solely on their stars to carry them through multiple rounds of intense playoff hockey. Their third and fourth lines will need to step up and contribute, not just offensively, but defensively as well. Whether it’s providing strong penalty killing, winning faceoffs, or taking on tough defensive assignments, the bottom six must help alleviate some of the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl.

Improving Defensive Depth

While the Oilers have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, their defensive play, especially in the bottom half of their lineup, has often been a source of concern. The team has struggled at times with keeping the puck out of their own net, particularly during the postseason, where high-scoring games turn into tight, low-scoring affairs.

The Oilers have some solid defensive-minded players, including veteran blueliner Darnell Nurse, but their defensive depth is something they’ll likely look to address ahead of the deadline. The team’s defense needs a more balanced approach, and they’ll likely target players who can add not just toughness, but strong two-way capabilities.

While their top pair—composed of Nurse and the highly skilled Tyson Barrie—remains formidable, the Oilers will need to address their depth on defense. With the trade deadline approaching, it’s clear that the Oilers are weighing moves to improve their blue line in anticipation of the tough, physical matchups they’ll face in the postseason.

Looking for a Physical Presence

One of the major needs for the Oilers at the trade deadline is a physical presence. The Oilers have built a roster of highly skilled players, but playoff hockey is often about grit, grind, and staying disciplined in the face of adversity. They have struggled in the past against teams that have superior physicality, and addressing this gap will be critical to their postseason success.

A player who can play a physical game, win board battles, and add a bit of muscle on the fourth line could make all the difference for the Oilers in the playoffs. This is why the team is expected to pursue a fourth-line center who can bring a mix of size, physicality, and defensive responsibility. A player who is tough to play against, whether through size or skill, can help provide balance to a roster that is already built on skill and speed.

Potential Trade Targets

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Edmonton Oilers have several areas they are likely to focus on improving, particularly in the areas of defensive depth and bottom-six forward depth. Here are a few potential trade targets that could help the Oilers meet these goals.

1. Nicolas Roy (Vegas Golden Knights)

Nicolas Roy, a 6-foot-6 center currently with the Vegas Golden Knights, is an intriguing option for the Oilers as they look to add physicality to their bottom six. Roy is a strong two-way forward who can play both center and wing, giving the Oilers flexibility in their lineup. His defensive abilities, faceoff proficiency, and size would be a great fit for the Oilers, who are looking for a center who can contribute on the penalty kill and provide a physical edge.

Roy’s ability to play against tough matchups and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a perfect candidate for the Oilers, especially with his potential to provide energy and depth to their fourth line. The Golden Knights could be willing to part with him if they need to shed salary or bolster their own roster, making Roy a possible acquisition for Edmonton as they gear up for the playoffs.

2. Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers)

Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers is another potential target for the Oilers. Known for his gritty, hard-nosed play, Bennett would bring a level of physicality and tenacity that the Oilers’ bottom six currently lacks. Bennett has proven to be a valuable player in the postseason, and his versatility as both a center and wing would give the Oilers additional lineup flexibility.

With the Panthers in a competitive playoff race, Bennett may become available if Florida looks to bolster its future assets or free up cap space for other acquisitions. His potential to add grit, speed, and defensive reliability to the Oilers would make him an excellent fit as the team prepares for a playoff push.

3. Luke Glendening (Dallas Stars)

A veteran center who excels in faceoffs, Luke Glendening would be another ideal addition for the Oilers as they look to add depth to their bottom six. Known for his defensive abilities and leadership on the penalty kill, Glendening would bring a wealth of experience to the Oilers’ forward group.

The Oilers have struggled in the faceoff circle at times, especially on the penalty kill, and Glendening’s proficiency in this area could provide an immediate boost. He also brings physicality and leadership, traits that are essential for a successful playoff run.

4. Ben Chiarot (Montreal Canadiens)

While the Oilers’ defensive group has been solid overall, adding a rugged, experienced defenseman like Ben Chiarot could help shore up their depth. Chiarot is known for his ability to clear the crease, engage physically, and bring a no-nonsense attitude to the game. In the postseason, where physicality often rises to the forefront, a defenseman with Chiarot’s abilities could be a game-changer for Edmonton.

The Montreal Canadiens, currently rebuilding, might be willing to part with Chiarot in exchange for picks or prospects. His experience and grit would be a welcome addition to the Oilers’ blue line, giving them a bit more toughness and defensive stability as they look to compete with the heavy-hitting teams in the Western Conference.

The Oilers’ Salary Cap Situation

The Oilers are already dealing with a relatively tight salary cap situation, so any potential acquisitions at the trade deadline will require a bit of financial maneuvering. As a result, the team may need to part with one or more players, draft picks, or prospects to make room for a trade. The Oilers may also look to move some salary to teams that are out of playoff contention in order to stay under the cap.

Edmonton’s front office will have to be creative in balancing the acquisition of key pieces for their bottom six and defense with the need to preserve their long-term financial health. This might involve moving players on expiring contracts or trading prospects who aren’t yet NHL-ready.

Trade Deadline Strategy and the Road Ahead

As the 2025 trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. While McDavid and Draisaitl remain the core of the team’s success, the Oilers need to ensure that they have a well-rounded roster capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Adding a physical, two-way forward to their bottom six and bolstering their defensive depth will be key to achieving this.

By making the right moves at the trade deadline, the Oilers could position themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Whether it’s acquiring a center like Nicolas Roy, a gritty forward like Sam Bennett, or a defensive stalwart like Ben Chiarot, the Oilers have options to enhance their roster and address critical areas.

The team’s pursuit of depth, defense, and balance will be the key to their success in the postseason. If they can achieve these objectives, the Oilers could very well be on track to challenge for their first Stanley Cup in over three decades.