Insider reports Edmonton Oilers will add tough, versatile forward in trade

The signing of John Klingberg may have filled the Oilers need for a defenceman, but he'll have a few weeks to prove himself before the trade deadline.

On the intermission broadcast last night, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reported that he expects the team to pivot towards adding a bottom six forward that can play multiple positions, and preferably with size or toughness.

The Oilers bottom six forward group is relatively crowded at the moment with a number of veteran forwards, and Evander Kane will be making a comeback soon too.

The one clear option to be moved out is veteran forward Jeff Skinner, who's been relegated to the 4th line and the press box multiple times this season.

However, the Oilers bottom six could surely benefit from some more physicality, and adding another player who could play center or wing is always an asset.

Earlier this season, Stauffer connected the Oilers to acquiring Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic, who would fit this player profile.

The 26 year old Bruins forward is in the final year of his contract paying $2.3M, and is likely leaving Boston in free agency, making him available for trade.

Frederic plays a fast and tough style, and in the past has shown some ability to put up secondary scoring. This year, he has only 7 goals and 14 points in 48 games.

The Oilers could surely use a player like Frederic, and the return of Evander Kane, to add a mean streak identity to their bottom six forward group heading into the playoffs. It would surely add another element to the team, and could help put them over the top in the playoffs.