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The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly exploring “significant” trade options to shake up their defensive lineup.
That said, the names mentioned aren’t ideal options, considering what the Oilers actually need.
On Oilers Now, NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently suggested Tony DeAngelo could be a potential target for the Oilers, alongside other names, such as Tyson Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz.
REPORT: Oilers Could Trade For New Defender Soon
It sounds like #Oilers fans won't have to wait long for a new addition to the team. #LetsGoOilers
https://t.co/0R4MD2BePz— Caleb Kerney (@CKerneyWriter) August 27, 2024
While none of these defensemen seem to perfectly fit the Oilers’ desire to find a top-four fit alongside Darnell Nurse, they could provide valuable depth or act as insurance for injuries or a lack of production among the Oilers’ current blueliners.
What the Oilers should really look for is a reliable, all-around defenseman to pair with Nurse. They need someone capable of logging significant minutes and contributing as a steady top-four player.
Nurse’s effectiveness tends to diminish when he is forced to cover for defensive lapses or take on too much responsibility. A stable partner could prevent him from getting caught out of position and maximize his strengths on the ice.
Cody Ceci and Vincent Desharnais were Nurse’s most frequent defense partners last year, according to moneypuck.com. They’re both on other teams, as well as Philip Broberg, who accepted an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues, meaning the Oilers lost three key options who could have potentially filled that role.
Despite facing criticism for his defense, Ceci was Nurse’s main partner last season and provided a somewhat steady presence on the blueline. The pair combined for a 54.8 expected goals percentage, per moneypuck.com.
Broberg, meanwhile, was seen as a promising young defenseman who could develop into a top-four contributor. Desharnais was cementing a role on the blueline before taking a back seat during the playoffs.
There was no guarantee that any of these three names would be perfect matches with Nurse, but suggesting that offensive-minded D-men DeAngelo, Shattenkirk, or former Oilers like Barrie and Schultz would be much better is a stretch.
NEW: Oilers Have No Good Reason to Add DeAngelo
Tony DeAngelo is not a best option for the #Oilers as far as PTO's are concerned.
Click the article to read my argument 👇#LetsGoOilers
https://t.co/NC6l7nPZNj— Caleb Kerney (@CKerneyWriter) August 27, 2024
This could be why the rumors of a “shake-up” trade are circling the Oilers. They may be planning a larger trade to bring in a responsible, proven, two-way defenseman who can take some of the pressure off Nurse. They could then use DeAngelo, Barrie, Shattenkirk or Schultz to fill a hole left by someone more offensive leaving.
If such a trade were to happen, it would suggest that GM Stan Bowman wants to shuffle the pieces to build a more balanced and effective defensive corps.
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Related: Could the Edmonton Oilers Bring Back Tyson Barrie?
Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Updates On Aaron Ekblad, the Oilers’ Blueline and Cody Ceci
News Summary:
- The Edmonton Oilers' Rumored Defense Targets Aren't Who They Need the Most
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.