The Edmonton Oilers could become active in the trade market within the next couple of weeks. Edmonton, like other contending clubs, has been sitting on the sidelines, given the slow-moving market.
But that’s something that could change in the coming weeks.
According to insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers could be looking to make a move during December. In an appearance on Oilers Now from December 1, Seravalli offered this insight:
“There’s a lot still to play out here even in the next 3-4 weeks before Christmas, and I think that’s the time to really keep an eye on the Oilers, if they’re gonna be doing something, is between now and the [trade] freeze.”
The trade freeze comes into effect on December 23 and lifts on December 27. That gives the Oilers an approximate three-week window to get a deal done. If not, the club may have to wait until after the New Year to get something done.
As for what the specifics of a move could be, that remains unclear. The Oilers could use upgrades at various positions. Most notably, the goaltending situation is drawing the most attention.
But Edmonton could use more depth in the bottom six and perhaps another decent blueliner. Sure, the same could be said of all contenders in the NHL. But then again, the true contenders are not in a desperate situation like the Oilers are.
As for potential trade partners. That’s something also up in the air. The suspected sellers at the beginning of the season don’t appear to be selling. That’s why the trade market is on hold at the moment.
The market could get going soon, but it will take a move to serve as the linchpin.
Could Oilers Make a Move in the Crease?
That’s been the narrative surrounding the Edmonton Oilers this season. Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss against the Minnesota Wild was hardly on Stuart Skinner. The Edmonton netminder stopped 23 of 24 shots.
If anything, it was the offense that let him down. Connor McDavid ended the night with one shot on goal, while Leon Draisaitl had three. In the end, the Oilers could not get much going. They were unable to make significant headway offensively.
So, one has to think: Is goaltending really the problem? Sure, the Oilers’ goalies have had their fair share of stinkers this season. Then again, getting a high-quality goalie isn’t going to be the panacea Edmonton fans hope it could be.
Team Has no Choice but to Solve Issues from Within
The Edmonton Oilers really have no other choice but to solve their issues from within. They’ll have to get their depth scoring moving along. Plus, the club will also need to shore up its defensive game.
The change won’t come via trade. The Oilers just don’t have the pieces and the cap space to do it. So, any meaningful change has to come from the team’s ability to regroup and recalibrate. Otherwise, there’s no saving grace this season. As the runway gets shorter and shorter, the club will either need to take off or sink.
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