NHL Insider Reveals Oilers Are Targeting Off The Radar Defenceman To Add in Trade

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Liam McCormick
November 20, 2024 (12:28)

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According to a new report from Bob Stauffer, the Edmonton Oilers are looking at an «off the radar» defenceman to add in trade.

The Oilers were believed to be targeting a shutdown right shot defender for their second pair, but Stauffer suggested it could instead by a left-shot puck moving defender.

»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

Stauffer has always been the most connected source for the Edmonton Oilers, and oftentimes when he starts making suggestions like this, it's because the Oilers are on to something.

The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to several defenceman already this season, and most candidates are pending free agents on rebuilding teams.

Stauffer's report should cause some real excitement for Oilers fans, because none of the reported candidates feel like a home run fit for Edmonton this season.

If the Oilers are looking at off the radar players, there's more potential for a higher impact deal.

Out of the already reported candidates for the Oilers, the player that best suits Stauffer's description is Ivan Provorov, but he isn't exactly an off the radar addition.

The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to trading for Ivan Provorov this year already.

Some surprising teams are already showing signs of struggle this season, and could be looking to make an early trade to shake things up.

Teams like the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators could try to make a shake-up deal, and potentially make some deals involving players that weren't thought to be available.

It's interesting to hear that the team's primary trade target is still a defenceman, after the Oilers goaltending has taken heat for being near worst in the league.

Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks may be available for trade, which would be a perfect fit for the Oilers.

Regardless, the Oilers looking at all off the radar candidates and getting creative with their trade targets is great news - every option should be fully evaluated to see if they would make the team better.