Hockey Trade Rumours: Edmonton Oilers Eyeing Key Defenseman Per Insider

After coming just one win short of the Stanley Cup a year ago, the Edmonton Oilers retooled this summer, but still find themselves with some major holes. While depth up front and goaltending have given them troubles this season, it's their ride-side defense that is the biggest hole on the roster, and reports confirm that they have been eyeing an addition there.

While some believe that a shutdown piece would be best alongside Darnell Nurse, Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer believes that instead, the team should be looking at a puck moving defenseman to give their right side the depth it needs.

Plenty of names have been thrown out there for a potential fill to that need, with the likes of Mark Giordano, Cam Fowler and Seth Jones all targeted as potential additions, and given the Oilers Stanley Cup window is wide open, now is the time to strike. There's also the most intriguing name of all which is Rasmus Andersson, but given that the team don't have the assets to land a top name such as that, the most likely solution could ultimately end up being a cheaper option.

This season, the Oilers rank 29th in goals scored as a team and 22nd in goals allowed, so clearly they would like to get a boost in both ways on the back end, and with little contribution outside of their top pairing, questions over this team persist. Don't expect them to wait for the trade deadline either, as prices often go up and up throughout the season as teams get desperate to fill holes on their roster, so take Stauffer's comments seriously as he reveals this team looks for a major upgrade.