Hockey Trade Rumours: Elliotte Friedman Reports Stan Bowman Eyeing Major Blue Line Upgrade for the Oilers

With a 5-5-1 record through their first 11 games this season, at least things aren't quite as rough as last year's rocky 2-9-1 start which led to the firing of Jay Woodcroft. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is doing his best to keep things positive.

The problem? Some of the players expected to step up haven't shown up yet, even with McDavid on the ice. Zach Hyman and Viktor Arvidsson didn't score their first goals until last night in their 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has only found the back of the net once in 11 games, despite generating several opportunities.

Defensively, it's no secret GM Stan Bowman wants a top four defenseman to bolster their struggling blueline, as Travis Dermott and Darnell Nurse have underperformed through the first few weeks of the season.

Insider Elliotte Friedman has linked the Edmonton Oilers to Seth Jones of Chicago, indicating that the team is in need of assistance on the blue line. The Ducks' Cam Fowler, the Blackhawks' Connor Murphy, and Matt Benning, who was recently traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, were among the usual suspects, but a fascinating new target has emerged.

Bowman's relationship with Seth Jones, whom he signed to that big contract while still in Chicago, is an unavoidable factor. It demonstrates his obvious affection for the player and suggests that he might want to have him rejoin his team.

But this situation also opens the door for call-ups from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors to make an impact, as Knoblauch mentioned.

Here's hoping someone steps up-whether it's a veteran or a new face-because without McDavid, every extra effort counts.