NHL insider reports Oilers will try to fix chemistry issue at trade deadline
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Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
According to a new report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers are trying to fix their rush defence and offensive chemistry at this year's trade deadline.
Friedman also said a goalie trade appears to be unlikely for the Oilers, but not entirely impossible. That echoes Stan Bowman's recent comments where he did not rule out a goalie trade.
Edmonton Oilers trying to fix Rush defence and offensive chemistry problem
When speaking about the team's trade deadline plans for this season, Friedman specifically mentioned the two areas in which the Oilers are trying to improve - rush defence and offensive chemistry.
If it's unlikely they're going to do anything in goal, which is the information I have, I think they're going to take a look at: how do they fix their rush defence, and how do they find some of that elusive chemistry up front that they haven't been able to find so far this year.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
The issue of offensive chemistry can be traced back to the signings of Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, neither of which has gone to the expectations of the Oilers.
Viktor Arvidsson has been plagued by injury all season, but when he's in the lineup, consistent scoring has been an issue. Jeff Skinner has often been a healthy scratch, but he has a no-move clause and wishes to stay in Edmonton.
Rush defence is another unique problem the Oilers could address in multiple ways. A quality defensive center, a solid top four defenceman could help the team in that department, as well as adding speed in any position.
The Oilers play as of late has hit a clear rut, which may be exposing multiple positions they want to address before the deadline. It's easy to see a path forward where the Oilers do trade for a forward, defenceman, or still a goalie.
GM Stan Bowman will have his work cut out for him trying to best navigate the path to improving this team with a trade, and working around the return of Evander Kane and his $5.125M salary. If anything, his return should lean the Oilers toward defence or goaltending.
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