Analyst Can’t Believe the Oilers Let this Defenseman Go

The Edmonton Oilers' defensive decisions are under intense scrutiny after a surprising move that has left many analysts scratching their heads. The team's management, led by General Manager Stan Bowman, is facing criticism for allowing a certain defenseman to leave the organization, a decision that some believe could negatively impact the Oilers' chances of making another deep playoff run.

Edmonton's defensive core has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Despite back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers have struggled to maintain consistency, and their defensive play has been a significant factor. A recent 4-3 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres highlighted these ongoing issues, with the team surrendering three goals in the first two periods.

To address these defensive concerns, the Oilers have been exploring various options, including potential trades. Analyst Allan Mitchell recently suggested that the Oilers might benefit from acquiring Artem Zub from the Ottawa Senators, a defenseman with an $18.4 million contract. Mitchell noted that Edmonton's top four defensemen primarily consist of left-shot players, creating matchup challenges against elite competition. He believes that adding a veteran like Zub could provide the necessary balance and improve the team's overall defensive performance.

However, it's the departure of Troy Stecher that has truly raised eyebrows. While not necessarily a top-pairing defenseman, Stecher provided valuable depth and experience to the Oilers' blue line. In the 2024-25 season, he played in 66 games, contributing three goals and four assists, while also blocking 66 shots and delivering 35 hits. Despite these contributions, Stecher has seen limited ice time this season, averaging just 13.5 minutes in six games.

With several players returning from injury, the Oilers found themselves with a crowded roster, leading to the decision to seek a "soft landing" for Stecher, as reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The Oilers are reportedly trying to find him a new opportunity, as he is one of the extra defensemen. However, the move has been met with disbelief by some analysts, who question the logic of letting go of a reliable player with a reasonable cap hit of $787,500.

"I just can't believe they let him go," said one anonymous analyst. "He's a veteran guy who can play up and down the lineup, and he's a great presence in the locker room. You need those kinds of players on a contending team."

The decision to trade Stecher highlights a potential shift in the Oilers' defensive strategy. According to Bob Stauffer, the team may be prioritizing puck-moving defensemen over stay-at-home types. This could explain why the Oilers are willing to part ways with Stecher, who is more known for his defensive reliability than his offensive contributions.

The Oilers' recent defensive struggles have also led to criticism of certain players, including Evan Bouchard. Despite Bouchard's offensive talent and strong playoff performances, he has been prone to turnovers, drawing the ire of some fans. GM Stan Bowman has defended Bouchard, arguing that he is a "very good player" who takes too much criticism. Bowman believes that Bouchard's strengths outweigh his weaknesses and that he is a key part of the Oilers' future.

As the Oilers navigate the 2025-26 season, their defensive decisions will continue to be closely scrutinized. Whether the decision to part ways with Stecher proves to be a misstep remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly added to the pressure on the team to improve its defensive play and contend for the Stanley Cup.