The Edmonton Oilers make Their Trade Intentions Very Clear

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
January 8, 2023 (10:44 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

I agree with the experts that defense wins championships, especially when it comes to playoff hockey. In my opinion, the Edmonton Oilers lack a proper defense to compete for a Stanley Cup. Multiple reports have suggested the Oilers have made their trade needs clear they are currently looking for a left-hand shot defenseman.

The Oilers' right-hand side has plenty of help with Tyson Barrie, Evan Bouchard, and Cody Ceci. As for the left side, it needs major renovations. With the regression of Darnell Nurses' game the Oilers have no choice but to seek out help.

Currently, Aside from Nurse, the only left-hand defenseman they have with genuine NHL experience is Brett Kulak. Phillip Bromberg is not ready and needs more time to develop and Markus Niemelainen isn't enough.

Joel Edmundson of the Montreal Canadiens is a left-hand defender the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to constantly.

The 29-year-old sits at 6 foot five 221 pounds and is the classic shutdown defenseman that teams seek out, especially at the trade deadline. The Oilers certainly would benefit from his defensive abilities and improve that goal differential that they need to resolve.

Jakob Chychrun, the top defenseman for the Arizona Coyotes, has also been linked to the Oilers. Besides having offensive skills that would be helpful in a long playoff run, this man ticks all the boxes the Oilers need. His cap hit is $4.6 million, and he is only 24 years old. It would be a trade that would require some creative thinking.