The Edmonton Oilers priority needs to be a right-handed, second-pairing defenseman
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers have several areas of need, but they don’t really have much salary cap space to work with and limited trade assets. They should be trying to find a right-handed defenseman who can play on the second pair.
Some trade candidates could include Dougie Hamilton (Devils), Luke Schenn (Jets), Justin Faulk (Blues), Connor Murphy (Blackhawks), Andrew Peeke (Bruins), Zach Whitecloud (Flames), John Carlson (Capitals) and Braden Schneider (Rangers).
Hamilton or Carlson would be nice, but they come with a big cap hit and a high asking price.. Schneider is an RFA and a riskier move. The Flames likely don’t want to help out the Oilers. Peeke and Murphy haven’t been having great seasons.
Likely not available trade candidates: Artem Zub (Senators) and Dylan DeMelo (Jets).
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers could look for a third-line center at the deadline. Adam Henrique may be better suited for the fourth line. Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Boone Jenner or Charlie Coyle would be nice, but the Blue Jackets likely aren’t selling at this point.
Finding a top-four, right-handed defenseman may be more of a priority.
TSNs Craig Button thinks the Oilers could look at the Chicago Blackhawks and maybe go double-dipping.
“For me, all day long, I would take (UFA) Connor Murphy on defence. He’s the right shot guy who could play with (Darnell) Nurse. And while they’re at it, could the Oilers also ask about Hawks’ Jason Dickinson? He could be their third-line centre. Those two things ideally would be on their wish list.”
Luke Schenn (Jets) isn’t a top-four guy. Andrew Peeke (Bruins) is available, but he may not be much better. Nick Perbix (Predators) has two years at $2.75 million. Is Perbix better than someone like Murphy? Could the Oilers get the Flyers to retain 50 percent of Rasmus Ristolainen‘s $5.1 million? Button throws out trying to get Michael Kesselring (Sabres).
It’s believed the Flyers want a first-round pick for Ristolainen. Murphy would be less than that. Button throws out Isaac Howard for Murphy and Dickinson. Howard is a non-starter.
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