The Edmonton Oilers have a big decision to make with their future

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Joshua Deeds
September 10, 2023 (1:19)

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Edmonton Oilers are in the midst of a window of contention, and as it is closing, they are looking for any means necessary to keep it open for as long as possible.

Based on that knowledge, it appears that in order to ultimately find the next big trade piece for the team, Ken Holland will have to give away his most valuable asset.

Stauffer talking to Servalli sets the line for EDM trading their 2024 1st round pick in March at 97%.

"Keep an eye on the Oilers right side. That might give us a little bit of an indication as to what the team may or may not need..if they end up moving that 1st rd pick."

In order to acquire the next player that will help the Oilers move forward and make a significant impact on their season, they may end up having to move their 2024 1st-round pick.

The team may have to find someone to replace Vincent Desharnais to fill the void left by Evan Bouchard and Cody Ceci, both of whom are NHL-ready and are just at the replacement level, due to the inexperience of Vincent Desharnais on the right side of the defense.

It appears that if NHL Bob Stauffer is to be believed, Holland would be more than willing to trade away their first-round pick in 2024 to acquire someone who could improve the Oilers' right-side defense in the future.

There has been no excuse for Holland not to do the same as its rivals, who spent no expense in building a Stanley Cup-winning team, and there is no excuse for them not to do the same for themselves.

The question is, who will be the defenseman Holland targets? Is it possible to secure the player they need for their Stanley Cup hopes with a late-round pick? Hopefully, we will be able to find out soon enough.

As Seen On: hockeyotb.com