Analysts Name Several Off the Radar Defence Candidates For Edmonton Oilers in Trade

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
November 23, 2024 (8:19 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a top four defenceman this season, and it may not be anyone that any insider has reported to this point.

Oilers fans got excited about a recent report from Bob Stauffer, claiming that Edmonton could be acquiring a defenceman that completely off the radar from any other insiders.

»At some point, they're adding a defenceman. It's not necessarily going to be a shut-down defenceman, it's not necessarily going to be a right shot defenceman - could be a lefty that plays the right side, and it might not be a guy that's on anyone's radar''
- Bob Stauffer

Previously, the media expected Edmonton to acquire a right shot stay at home defender, but Bob Stauffer's comments suggest a left shot with term is the more likely option - and he's the most plugged in insider for the Oilers.

Analysts at Oilers Nation recently suggested a few defenceman who may fit Stauffer's description: Brandon Carlo, Rasmus Andersson, Cameron York, Jamie Oleksiak, and Ryan Pulock.

Rasmus Andersson has been linked to the Oilers previously this season, and may be the best player available for trade, but unfortunately the Flames ownership are reportedly nixing any deals to Edmonton.

Cameron York is only 23 years old, and could be a valuable cost-controlled addition to the Oilers, if the Flyers are willing to deal a recent first round draft pick.

Jamie Oleksiak is a more physical defenceman from the Seattle Kraken, but perhaps that's a welcome for on the Oilers blueline that needs more toughness.

Ryan Pulock is an excellent all-around defenceman that's gone under the radar on the New York Islanders - he's an adept 200 foot player that could anchor the Oilers second pair, but comes at a high cost of $6.15M.

Another option being raised by fans, who may be the best player out of any aforementioned player, is Flyers defenceman Travis Sanheim.

Sanheim was brought up in trade discussions before eventually signing a long term contract for $6.25M. However, he's a left handed puck moving defenceman that's clearly off the radar, and still doesn't lineup up with the Flyers rebuild timeline. If he's available, the Oilers should be all over it.

We'll see how the Oilers approach the next few weeks, especially if they continue their mediocre win rate. The Oilers may benefit from an early trade, and will need to act quickly to make a move before they lose their targets to other teams.