NHL insider reports Oilers trade to acquire a defenceman is imminent

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Ryan Hall
July 7, 2024 (9:43)

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Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed that the Edmonton Oilers are not done upgrading their lineup.

Oilers president and interim general manager Jeff Jackson is eyeing more deals to help his defence core as it's felt that it could use an upgrade. Pagnotta also mentions the team is looking improving the number four or five defenseman position and has mentioned Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci as possible trade bait to make this deal possible.

The team currently has seven defensemen that has a cap value of almost $27 million and after Darnell nurse, Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard there is a steep drop off in talent and their core certainly needs an addition.

The Oilers have options that could play in their favor including the potential LTIR placement of Evander Kane who is currently battling a major hip issue that could keep him out for next season. Doctors along with Jackson and other officials are debating on what they will do with him and if he is removed it would open $5.125 million in cap space.

During the Stanley Cup finals, the Oilers did play well defensively especially in the games during the comeback however, improving the defence core is priority.
Jackson and the incoming general manager will do their best to seek out and make this improvement.