Edmonton Oilers Insider Drops Three Potential Candidates the Team Could Target Before the Trade Deadline
The Edmonton Oilers clearly need an upgrade if they are to chase a Stanley Cup, and now three key names have been identified as top trade targets.
While the Edmonton Oilers certainly aren't out of the race early in the year, it's safe to say that they have been fairly underwhelming given the lofty expectations set for the 2024/25 campaign.
From the moment the year began, fans and analysts alike were looking at additions this team needs to make, and through 24 games with a 13-9-2 record, Bob Stauffer still believes this team needs to make some huge additions.
I envision the Edmonton Oilers adding a Top 4 defensemen. Preferably, a guy that can play the right side and can be a left shot, and probably a guy that can move the puck. And maybe, since they're going to move a couple picks, some draft capital, we're likely looking at a guy with a little bit of term left. That's the scenario. I'm not going to name the name. Could be a guy right now that's on a team that nobody thinks is out of the mix, but may end up out of the mix as well.
Without naming anyone, Stauffer laid out the plan for the Oilers to get better this season, with the Edmonton Journal's David Staples going the extra mile and naming three players he believe fits into that description.
First up we have Nick Jensen of the Ottawa Senators, a team that is right in the playoffs mix themselves, but if they end up falling from grace, it's safe to say that he, with another year left on his deal would be the perfect addition to the Oilers top four.
Then there is Ben Chiarot of the Detroit Red Wings, who could be the veteran presence this team needs, and while he would cost much more in terms of assets and his contract, he could be the calming, defensive-minded weapon that this team needs on the blue line.
Lastly is Rasmus Ristolainen, who has two years left on his deal after this one which would appeal to the Oilers, and while he has just 7 points in 25 games this year, he doesn't need to set the world on fire in Edmonton, he would just need to play his game and help the talent around him flourish.
Obviously there are many more candidates in the NHL that may become available for the Oilers ideal price, and when that happens they're expected to be aggressive in pursuit of an upgrade, with these three all being ideal candidates for that role.
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