Oilers insiders reveal team will pursue two positions of need at trade deadline
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Photo credit: NY Times
The Edmonton Oilers are currently riding a 5 game losing streak following a crushing defeat to the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. With the March 7th trade deadline drawing closer, GM Stan Bowman must do something to breathe life back into this team. That said, former Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish hints at imminent roster upgrades come trade deadline.
The Edmonton Oilers have been extremely underwhelming coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament.
While members of the Edmonton Oilers mentioned how much they needed a break and that it came at precisely the right time, the team has looked disjointed and relatively unmotivated since returning.
Although the Oilers put up a decent fight against the the Florida Panthers, it's becoming clear that they need upgrades in defence and goaltending if they want to return to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Craig MacTavish hints at trade deadline upgrades
During a recent interview, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish shared his thoughts on what he feels the Edmonton Oilers need to stay competitive.
«My guess is they need a really good defencemen. That would help immensely,» said MacTavish. Who's that? Anaheim's nasty Jake Trouba, maybe, if they can make the money work with salary retention. Chicago's Conor Murphy, a quieter top-four guy with term at a $4.4 million AAV for another season. Or another name?
«I would go right to (GM) Don Sweeney in Boston and ask about Brandon Carlo. I don't know if he's available but I'm just telling you what I would do. That type of player would fit perfectly in Edmonton,» said Button of the defenceman, who commands a $4.10 million AAV.
Additionally, MacTavish mentioned that the Edmonton Oilers need an upgrade between the pipes. Colletively, the Edmonton Oilers goalie tandem has let in 21 goals in just 4 games -- simply not good enough to win a Stanley Cup.
«I would say (more goaltending) is on their minds, a lot, right now. You know who I think about? (Alexandar) Georgiev in San Jose. He's the type of guy who might push. Get them to take some of the salary and slip Pickard back there,»
It was recently announced that Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson would be interested in waiving his NTC to join the Edmonton Oilers, but Craig MacTavish makes an intriguing suggestion in goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
While Georgiev has posted some pretty underwhelming numbers the past few season, anything seems like an upgrade at this point.
Is this the year Stan Bowman leaves his mark on the team? Time will tell.
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