The Oilers first preseason game is scheduled for September 22, meaning training camp will open just a few days prior. A few weeks ago, NHL insider Frank Seravalli said the Oilers could shake up the roster with a major trade for a defenceman before that time.
Elliotte Friedman has also reported that multiple NHL players are taking the Edmonton Oilers off their no-trade lists. If that's the case, the Oilers may have a lot more options to add players in a trade this season.
The biggest hole in the roster at the moment is clearly on the defensive side. After losing Philip Broberg, Vincent Desharnais, and Cody Ceci, the Oilers could really use an established top four defenceman in the lineup for at least the playoffs. The Oilers have been connected to several candidates in trade like Artem Zub and Rasmus Andersson, and linked to a few tryout contracts like Mark Giordano and Travis Dermott.
It seems very likely the Oilers will sign a player to a PTO before training camp begins, but as Seravalli mentioned, they are doing some work on potential trades at the moment. They'll surely trade for a defenceman later in the season towards the deadline, but if they did before training camp begins, the fanbase would be absolutely fired up.
POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 8 | 440 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers could have major trade imminent, according to insider Do you think the Oilers will make a trade before training camp? | ||
Yes | 238 | 54.1 % |
No | 178 | 40.5 % |
See Results | 24 | 5.5 % |
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