The Edmonton Oilers are exploring various options leading up to the trade deadline, with potential targets including Pavel Buchnevich, Jake Guentzel, and Nic Dowd.
NHL insider Frank Servalli suggests that the team is open to different scenarios and players, aiming for a Top 6 impact forward. However, there is also speculation about the Oilers pursuing a Top 4 defenseman, as indicated by their interest in Chris Tanev.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the Oilers were finalists for Tanev but were unwilling to meet Calgary’s conditions, which involved taking on a veteran player with a significant contract. Servalli emphasizes that the Oilers ideally want to upgrade their Top 4 defense, particularly due to struggles from Cody Ceci.
What is the biggest need for the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline?
— The Cult of Hockey (@TheCultofHockey) March 1, 2024
A poll by the Cult of Hockey indicates that 54% of respondents believe a Top 4 defenseman is the team’s most pressing need. Despite concerns about recent poor performances from Ceci and Darnell Nurse, there’s a debate on whether the focus should be on acquiring a Top 6 winger instead.
However, recent struggles and declining Grade A shots for percentages in February raise questions about the current defensive lineup.
Nurse’s Grade A shots for percentage dropped from 40% to 22% in February, while Ceci went from 38% to 14%. Vincent Desharnais also experienced a significant decline, going from 41% to 17%. The team’s struggles on the right defensive side prompt considerations for changes, with the suggestion of bringing in a puck-moving right-shot defenseman and potentially moving out Ceci or Desharnais.
The assessment proposes the idea of Evan Bouchard as the lone puck mover at right defense, with Brett Kulak potentially being moved to acquire the needed right-shot defenseman.
The suggestion of moving Kulak to the right side and pairing him with Nurse, along with calling up Philip Broberg to pair with Ceci or Desharnais on the third pairing, is presented as an alternative plan. The overall sentiment is that change is needed to address the team’s defensive struggles.
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