Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers are set to face off against the St. Louis Blues, marking the beginning of a three-game road trip that includes matchups against the Dallas Stars and the Arizona Coyotes on Family Day.
While the team hits the road, management remains active on the phones, diligently seeking out potential upgrades. Their aim is to provide the team with the best possible chance for success, a sentiment echoed by several reputable insiders.
During a recent appearance on Oilers Now Radio with Brenden Escott, Elliotte Friedman discussed the team’s pursuit of a significant acquisition. “I think you guys are trying to hit at least one home run, and the question is, what do you decide that home run is going to be?” he remarked.
Amidst speculation surrounding the Oilers potentially acquiring a goaltender via trade, recent performances suggest otherwise, leading to the notion being ruled out. Despite a notable 8-4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, scoring has been a challenge for the team at times.
Coach Sullivan on Jake Guentzel missing some time at the end of the game: "He is being evaluated right now for an upper-body injury."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 15, 2024
One prominent trade target reportedly on the Oilers’ radar is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel. Despite his team’s struggles, Guentzel has enjoyed a stellar season, tallying 22 goals and 30 assists in 50 games. His current pace projects an impressive 85-point finish, marking one of the best seasons of his career.
However, following the Penguins’ 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers, concerns arose as Guentzel’s game-time presence was impacted by a potential injury. Friedman’s tweet indicating Guentzel’s absence from the ice for the final stretch of the game has raised questions about the severity of the injury and its implications for the Oilers’ trade deadline plans.
As the hockey world awaits updates on Guentzel’s condition, the Oilers may find themselves adjusting their trade deadline strategy accordingly, depending on the nature and timeline of his injury.
