According to recent insights, the Edmonton Oilers' General Manager Stan Bowman is looking to bolster the team's defensive lineup. With the goaltending situation seemingly addressed after acquiring Tristan Jarry, the focus has shifted to strengthening the defense corps, possibly before the Olympic break or the trade deadline.
The acquisition of Mattias Ekholm significantly impacted the Oilers' defense, allowing players to settle into more suitable roles and supporting Evan Bouchard's growth by providing a reliable partner. Now, Bowman is keen on adding another defenseman with top-four capabilities to further solidify the team's blue line.
Several potential trade targets have emerged, including Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk, Connor Murphy, Brandon Carlo, and Mario Ferraro. These defensemen are noted on insider Chris Johnston's latest trade board as players who could make a substantial impact in Edmonton. However, the feasibility of acquiring these players will depend on the acquisition cost, the Oilers' willingness and ability to pay, and the condition of Jake Walman, who was brought in and extended to be a key member of the defensive unit.
Currently, the Oilers are working towards finding consistency in their game. This includes solidifying their defensive play and integrating younger forwards into the lineup. The team has struggled with allowing goals, despite allowing a below-average number of shots on net. A more consistent penalty kill would also help. Developing younger players like Isaac Howard, Quinn Hutson and Clattenburg, and giving them more consistent ice time, is also on the Oilers' to-do list.
Beyond defensive reinforcements, the Oilers are also looking for more consistent forward development. Integrating youth into the lineup has been limited, with younger players seeing only a handful of games. Coach Kris Knoblauch has often opted for veterans, but a more consistent approach to incorporating youth could extend the Oilers' window of contention.
In other Oilers news, coach Knoblauch is aiming to simplify things for Trent Frederic to help him get out of his slump. After being a healthy scratch, Frederic is back in the lineup. There is hope that Tristan Jarry's recent injury is not a long-term issue, and Connor Ingram will have an opportunity to prove himself at the NHL level.
