Oilers Analyst Suggests Three Defensemen to Help Mattias Ekholm

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Ryan Hall
November 11, 2024 (6:25)

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Jonathan Willis of the Athletic tweeted out three potential Nashville Predators defenseman who could help the Oilers defense as they were former partners of Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm.

He mentions that Alexandre Carrier, Dante Fabbro and Matt Benning have all been partners with Ekholm during his time with the predators. He gives a breakdown of each of their percentages and shows who would be the best fit which clearly is Carrier. There have been signals from Predators general manager Barry Trotz that if the if the team do not turn their season around quickly, it's likely he will begin a full rebuild of the team which could see players like Carrier becoming available.

The Oilers defense has been a mess through the first several weeks of the season and many pundits felt the team's defence wasn't there biggest concern. But the Oilers have shown some inconsistent play and some leaky goals that have trickled through their defence corps, it's clear general manager Stan Bowman and his team are looking to help shore up that area.

Early season trades especially defensemen are not as common unless you're the Toronto Maple Leafs who just moved right hand shot Timothy Liljegren to the sharks as he was not being played whatsoever. With Benning a member of the Maple Leafs and the team searching for a new home for Benning as he has yet to play one shift for the team, there could be a deal there for the Maple Leafs who will likely seek just a draft pick for his services.

It remains to be seen on what will happen but if the Oilers continue to play their way, Bowman will likely pull off a deal to give the team immediate help.