3 internal additions coming to Edmonton Oilers after 4 Nations Faceoff break
The Edmonton Oilers will be in the home stretch of the season after the 4 Nations Faceoff break, and can expect 3 more internal additions to join the team and could factor into the playoff roster.
Evander Kane is expected to return from a complex injury to play in the playoffs, and the Oilers will be eying call ups for two important future pieces in Matthew Savoie and Noah Philp.
Edmonton Oilers have three internal additions coming at forward before playoffs
Evander Kane is the headliner for returning players, and could fit the team's needs exactly when he returns. The Oilers could desperately need his physicality and depth scoring in their middle six. Last month, Kane posted to social media that he's begun skating while undergoing a complex rehab process.
He's still far away from making his return to play, but Kane has been adamant that he will play this season - meaning he will be back for the playoffs, and the Oilers may be able to spend his $5.125M salary in trades with him on LTIR.
Matthew Savoie is the Oilers new top prospect after being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, and he's been on fire at the AHL level this season. The St. Albert native has 34 points in 42 AHL games, and has reportedly taken major strides on defence. Oilers insider Bob Stauffer believes Savoie could be called up sooner than next season.
Noah Philp is the third internal addition, who has already seen 12 NHL games this season. He's been sent back to the AHL for the Four Nations Faceoff break, but it's expected he'll be back after the break and become a playoff contributor for the team.
How will Oilers internal additions affect their trade deadline?
One interesting aspect about the Oilers most NHL-ready internal options for the playoffs this year is that they're all at the forward position - which may steer the Oilers towards a trade deadline acquisition at another position.
The Oilers have been linked to acquiring forward Ryan Donato, and have already picked up a defenceman with John Klingberg. More resources could be spent on the blue line, or perhaps goaltending, as forward is clearly the position of strength.
Edmonton's already called up Philp for a pre-playoff evaluation, and he'll likely get more time after 4 Nations - along with Matt Savoie. Also considering Evander Kane, hopefully at least 2 of the 3 options can factor into the Oilers' playoff success this season.
