NHL writer reveals Pacific Division defensemen on Edmonton Oilers radar

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Ryan Hall
September 1, 2024 (8:22 PM)

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Caleb Kerney of The Hockey News reveals at the Edmonton Oilers should target Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas to upgrade their blue line.

It's been reported over the past several weeks that Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has been working towards making a trade to upgrade his blue line after the subtractions of three defensemen who are on the Stanley Cup finals team last year. The team has lost some depth which includes Philip Broberg and Cody Ceci.

Gudas would give the Oilers an edge as he is known as one of the toughest defencemen in the NHL. His rugged style of play and physical intimidation would bode well for the Oilers. He also would help them on their penalty kill which has been superb last year and would like to continue to be going into the new season.

According to The Hockey News, he stands at six foot and 208 pounds it has put 18 points through 66 games and it's a right shot defenseman which is the most coveted.

Another aspect of his game is that he eats many minutes, which is vital for any defense court to be successful as he faces the toughest players and the highest skill to shut down. Even though the team has acquired Ty Emberson through the Cody Ceci trade from San Jose, the Oilers we'll need further upgrading and a player like Gudas would fit the bill.

A roster player and the prospect would likely pry Gudas from the Anaheim Ducks as the team continues to rebuild while the Oilers are in a win now mode. Doing the trade earlier in the season certainly could help with the cost as the trade deadline can be very expensive to acquire a defenseman of his caliber.

It remains to be seen what Bowman will do but the trade winds are blowing through the Oilers camp and it's likely a move will come prior to the start of the season.

Source: The Hockey News

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