Oilers Pundits Lower Expectations For Major Trade At The Deadline
The hosts of the Oilersnation Everyday Podcast feel that they need to tamp down expectations that the Oilers will take a major swing at the trade deadline as the team only requires smaller additions to round out the roster.
The hosts brought up the argument of many fans feeling that the Oilers need to take another large swing equivalent to a Mattias Ekholm trade that would be costly in terms of draft capital, prospects or even roster players which could upset the chemistry that has been built over the past couple of years.
All agree that the Oilers need improvements on their defence much like most of the NHL, but they feel that a tertiary addition that may cost the Oilers a fourth or fifth round pick who can play between 15 and 20 minutes may be the kind of player the team needs as the second half of the season begins.
Oilers Defense Priority At March Trade Deadline
There is a clear drop off with the Oilers defense after Darnell Nurse, Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. Several names have been mentioned as potential trade targets which may not fit the discussion including Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Over the coming months prior to the deadline, the NHL season will see a disruption in their schedule as the Four Nations Faceoff will take place in early February.
During that time, it's likely general managers like Bowman may begin their discussions quickly and try to secure their trade needs as several teams are preparing to drop off for the remainder of the year and begin to look at next season.
This will give him more options as many teams will deem themselves as sellers at the deadline including some teams that are shockingly bad including the New York Rangers.
The Oilers will finish their road trip as they will take on the lowly Chicago Blackhawks at the United centre on Saturday January 11th. Game time will be at 7:00 PM Eastern.
