Oilers Focus on Skaters, Not Goalies, as Trade Deadline Nears
The Edmonton Oilers are focusing on enhancing their roster with skaters as the trade deadline approaches next week. Currently, the team ranks third in the Pacific Division, holding a slim three-point lead over the Seattle Kraken, who occupy the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Trade Strategies as the Deadline Approaches
Following a defeat to the San Jose Sharks and a concerning record of 1-2 since the Olympic break, the Oilers are exploring opportunities to acquire a forward or a defenseman. Renowned sports analyst Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers have shown interest in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a defenseman from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Potential Targets and Positions
Friedman emphasized two key positions the Oilers might target:
- A right-side defenseman, with Ekman-Larsson capable of filling this role.
- A third center, especially if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continues to play on the wing.
In his current season with the Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson has recorded eight goals and 25 assists across 59 games and recently represented Team Sweden at the Olympics. At 34 years old, he has two more years remaining on his contract, averaging $3.5 million annually. Despite being a left-shot player, he often plays on the right side.
Cap Space Challenges
The Oilers are currently navigating cap space limitations, holding just $10,508 in available cap space, and $12,009 in deadline cap space, according to PuckPedia. This financial situation necessitates offloading some salary to facilitate any new acquisitions.
One potential candidate for departure is Andrew Mangiapane, who carries a $3.6 million cap hit this season and the next. The 29-year-old forward has struggled this season, only managing seven goals and seven assists, and has faced numerous healthy scratches since joining the Oilers last off-season.
No Plans for Goalie Acquisitions
Amidst their roster changes, it appears the Oilers are not considering adding a goalie, despite the fluctuating performances of Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. Friedman clarified their focus remains on strengthening the defense or securing a center, rather than pursuing a netminder.
Jarry, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12, has posted a 3.85 goals-against average and an .864 save percentage in 12 games with Edmonton. Ingram has performed slightly better, with a 2.75 GAA and .894 save percentage over 16 games.
As the trade deadline draws near, the Oilers are strategically prioritizing skaters, signaling a clear intent to bolster their chances for playoff success.
