The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in an eerily similar spot as the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. Both clubs have struggled to find their footing in their respective division. They have underachieved, albeit for different reasons.
Entering Tuesday’s action, the Maple Leafs are tied for last place in the Atlantic Division with the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Oilers are sixth in the Pacific Division, just one point out of a wild card spot.
While neither club is in a dire, do-or-die situation, at least not yet, things aren’t exactly looking rosy. The Oilers have had plenty of question marks in the crease, to say the least. Plus, their defensive play has not been up to scratch so far.
But as much as the chatter surrounding the Oilers calls for a new goalie, that, and other changes, may not come via trade. Like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Oilers can’t trade their way out of their current situation.
Like Toronto, the Oilers don’t really have attractive trade pieces. The Maple Leafs have several elite-level players they won’t touch. That sounds a lot like the Edmonton Oilers. But there’s another major issue in which both teams diverge.
The Leafs are stuck with numerous depth players no one really wants. As much as the Leafs would like to trade bodies out, they won’t get much attention.
But for the Oilers, the situation is much more complex. Edmonton has plenty of pieces other teams might covet, but there’s one key factor standing in the way of major moves.
Oilers Have Loaded Up on NTCs
The Edmonton Oilers have loaded up their own no-trade clauses for the bulk of their roster. Nine of the current forwards have full or modified no-trade protection. Four of the team’s defensemen have no-trade protection as well.
Interestingly, Evan Bouchard doesn’t have a no-trade clause until the third year of his current deal. Meanwhile, Mattias Ekholm won’t get one until next season. His current contract, which expires this season, lacks trade protection.
That situation leaves the Oilers with a handful of bottom-six forwards and depth defensemen, including their two goalies, without trade protection. So how much could the club overhaul its roster at that point?
If Edmonton really wanted to make a splash, it wouldn’t come by trading Brett Kulak or Vasily Podkolzin. Like the Maple Leafs, the Oilers are stuck with their roster. So, changes will have to come from elsewhere.
Edmonton Must Push for Changes from Within
The changes the Edmonton Oilers seek will have to come from within. That situation could mean getting players from the AHL to play meaningful roles at the NHL level. Fans have already seen that with Connor Clattenburg and Alex Regula.
Beyond that, changes will have to come from the defense and a more consistent bottom six. The Oilers have become dangerously reliant on their top players. While that’s the way it should be, it also makes life easier for opposing coaches.
Opponents can’t shut down Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and others, but if they can at least contain them long enough, opponents have a chance to win.
That’s what has happened this season and has put the Oilers in the conundrum they’re in at the moment.
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