The Edmonton Oilers have seen some significant change to their organization since it became apparent the team would miss the playoffs for a seventh spring in a row this past April. A new GM, new coach, and new captain will be in place along with many new faces on a more competitive Edmonton roster this October.
Craig MacTavish isn’t done however, and he still has a few roster holes remaining. The biggest? That would be the lack of a top pairing left-handed defender to most likely pair with young star Justin Schultz. Many believe Andrew Ference will be that guy, but I think Edmonton would be best suited to go out and get someone that can handle that top role.
Who are the candidates, and realistic ones at that, that could be had by the Oilers? Here are a few that could be available on the trade market and that Edmonton has a legit shot at bringing in.
Brayden Coburn: We’ve beaten this one to death so far, so I won’t spend too much time on it. Coburn is a young left-shot defender with his prime still ahead of him. He’s not great at anything, but he’s good at a lot of things and is a no doubt top four defender. He plays physical and has some size too, and would be a great compliment to Justin Schultz.
It’ll take a lot to get him, especially from a Philly team with a pretty weak blue-line.
Zach Bogosian: The Winnipeg RFA has filed for arbitration, and seems to always find his way into the rumor mill. Could that be because he is truly available? I’m not sure, but if he is Craig MacTavish has to look this route. Zach is young at just 22 years old, and is 6′ 3” and 215 pounds, a pretty well built player huh?
Bogo isn’t a terrific puck-mover, but he has had a 30 point season in the past, and has posted some pretty respectable defensive number on some pretty bad teams in Atlanta/Winnipeg. He’s not yet realized his full potential, and it’s easy to see why a team would take a risk on the former top five draft pick.
If the Jets and Bogo can’t get a deal done, the Oilers would be wise to look at this young defender, one who has the ability to really be the next guy to break out at his position.
Tom Gilbert: I’m sure no one wants to hear this, but Tom Gilbert would be a good add to this Edmonton roster. Gilbert is a right side guy, but would still improve the Oilers blue-line, and would be a top four guy once again in Oil Country. He’s a solid puck mover coming off of a bad season, and could be a great bargain add.
He isn’t the best or ideal fit, but Tom Gilbert could improve this Oilers team and on a pretty fair contract. MacT wants to have a group that can transition the puck right? Well here you go.
Paul Martin: Here’s one that could happen due to cap reasons. Pittsburgh is up against the cap and needs to make a few things work. Dumping Martin’s $5 M per year deal could really help that team out. Martin has consistently hit the 20 point mark the past few seasons, and could be expected to continue that on a dynamic Oilers team.
He’s a tougher player too, and isn’t afraid to muck it up a bit and play physical. He’s been arguably Pittsburgh’s best all around defender the last number of seasons, and I would argue he would become Edmonton’s number one option upon arrival to Oil Country.
He doesn’t take too many penalties either, and has a lot of NHL experience. He could be a very good add that shakes free due to cap reasons around the league.
All four of the above options improve the Oilers defense and fill a spot in Edmonton’s top four. Some believe Oscar Klefbom might be able to fill that role, but I feel it is unlikely….This year at least.
Oscar is coming off of a pretty big surgery and will be making that tough transition to the North American game. Some will point to Minnesota star Jonas Brodin, but he is the exception, not the rule. It would be wise for Edmonton to let Oscar develop in OKC along with Marincin and Fedun.
I don’t think the Oilers are done just yet, and I believe MacT’s next target is a top four defender. Will he land it? I’m not sure, but it won’t be for a lack of trying if he doesn’t. Another thing to watch? Edmonton’s third line. It needs help. We’ll talk about that soon.
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