The Edmonton Oilers defence is quite rich with depth. With players like Mattias Ekholm and leader Darnell Nurse, as well as Cody Ceci the former Toronto Maple Leaf, where he made somewhat of a name for himself. Including talented defenceman Evan Bouchard, who saw an increase in his role after parting ways with Tyson Barrie.
It has ingredients of physicality that Ekholm brings with Nurse, most importantly skill that is carried by Bouchard, and a lot of grit to its game with this unit combined. But, what it lacks is a burst of speed that would make so much difference to the roster itself. Not to mention the ample amounts of opportunities it would create mixed with skill.
However, management does have the means to make moves accordingly and acquire steady contributing defensemen with the speed assets that the team, especially the roster demands. They have two expiring contracts in the defensive end and another five more in the forwards section. And with the other roster members mostly locked up for another few years, there’s much to think about before making moves.
Edmonton Oilers Will Try to Improve Their Defence
The fans find that the moves are coming to light. General manager Ken Holland will go all-in this year and try to make his mark. As a GM of the Oilers, his intent has to lie in improving the team with excellent defensive depth. That will happen by acquiring a boost of speed to the defensive corps. That will mesh well with the current skill, level of physicality, and most importantly the ever-so-needed grit to the team. The fans feel the need for added protection and a bigger cushion to complement the players and their chemistry.
A genuine thought of who to acquire and/or who is available is a question fans should ask themselves. Especially the price of that move. The team with players who most likely would shed light on the prospect pool would have to be the Chicago Blackhawks. Due to their rich draft capital and prospect pool nevertheless, they can spare a few players.
The Illinois team has the perfect amount of defensemen that would be an asset to the Edmonton Oilers defence. Provided, the Blackhawks should go in that direction of trade. The bargaining chips are there and set for both the Oilers and the Blackhawks and what both teams can pull off would be downright intriguing, to say the least.
The Players Available in a Trade Between the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers
The Chicago Blackhawks have a handful of defensive prospects who are entering their second to third year playing in the farm league. One being Kevin Korchinski and the other Ethan Del Mastro.
Offloading Vincent Desharnais and Markus Niemelainen would be an option for the Oilers. They can give up a couple of forwards between Mattias Janmark and Warren Foegele. Draft picks can be an option too for the Edmonton Oilers defence, if a package is assessed by both teams.
Where the Team Can Be Better in Gameplay
The depth and talent chart for the Oilers roster is there but needs certain adjustments to work on their respective game. This aspect of the team will be the X-factor mark for the Oiler’s defence as well as the team in general. Especially, during the season, so to speak.
It will indeed be observed by many, who will look closely to analyze the gameplay. Make recommendations, and provide ample advice to the team. Mainly by the scouting staff. Management will have to be wary of the fact that the organization and the fans are anxious to win the Stanley Cup. With Captain, Connor McDavid, hanging on to every mistake he made in the past to set the future, his goals and ambitions are for the organization and its fans. As are the entire team of the Edmonton Oilers.
This particular team and roster has all the tools to excel through the season. However, they will need to work on the crucial mistakes they made all year long during last year’s season. The biggest one is the goals against average.
Far from the mistakes this team has made, the Edmonton Oiler’s defence is going to have to work on many areas in the defensive zone. However, their forwards will have to put in the work as well, with the help from the coaching staff, which shall be a challenge. Another way to fix the defensive woes would be to see who and what players are available to work with this Oilers team and roster.
What to look forward to with the Edmonton Oilers
The main reason for the team to acquire steady speed in prospects would be because they would be able to work well with the young vets in the defensive roster aspect of the team. Getting acquainted with players such as forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Along, with other notable names on the team.
Respectively, this team has all the means to play the game and win. But, It will need to do a little more to become elite.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
