As the NHL trade deadline looms closer, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a critical juncture. Despite their commendable performance, there’s an overarching sentiment that they need a boost to transform from a good team to a great one. General Manager Ken Holland shoulders the responsibility of acquiring the necessary pieces to elevate the Oilers’ chances of clinching the Stanley Cup, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2006.
In a league where contenders are already bolstering their rosters, Holland faces mounting pressure to make strategic moves. Recent acquisitions by rival teams, such as the Vancouver Canucks adding Elias Lindholm and the Winnipeg Jets acquiring Sean Monahan, highlight the competitive landscape. Holland’s decisions in the lead-up to the deadline could profoundly impact whether the Oilers, led by star Connor McDavid, can break through or face another offseason of anticipation.
The question arises: Where does Holland need to focus his efforts?
GOAL: The Oilers’ goaltending situation has undergone a significant transformation, with Stuart Skinner emerging as a reliable starter and Calvin Pickard proving himself as a capable backup. While the crease appears strengthened, there’s still a question mark regarding Pickard’s experience in high-pressure situations. Investing in a seasoned backup goalie could provide additional insurance for the team’s playoff aspirations.
DEFENCE: Edmonton’s defensive corps, anchored by Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse, has exhibited remarkable stability and performance. However, the possibility of injuries or fatigue during a grueling playoff run necessitates considering additional depth on defense. With head coach Kris Knoblauch indicating a willingness to tweak defensive pairings, bringing in a veteran defenseman could fortify the team’s blue line.
TOP SIX: The addition of Corey Perry has injected new energy into the Oilers’ forward lines, particularly alongside Leon Draisaitl and Evander Kane. However, Perry’s age and limited tenure with the team raise questions about long-term effectiveness. Adding another proven goal scorer to complement the top six forwards could further solidify Edmonton’s offensive potency.
BOTTOM SIX: While the Oilers’ bottom-six forwards have shown flashes of productivity, inconsistency remains a concern. With recent scoring droughts from the third and fourth lines, there’s a clear need for additional depth and physical presence. Assessing options to bolster the bottom-six forward group could provide stability and balance throughout the lineup.
As the trade deadline approaches, Holland faces the daunting task of navigating limited assets and addressing multiple areas of need. Each decision made in the coming days will shape the Oilers’ trajectory for the remainder of the season and potentially define their postseason aspirations. For Edmonton, the quest for Stanley Cup glory hinges on Holland’s ability to make strategic moves that complement the team’s existing strengths and address areas of improvement.
