According to recent reports, the Edmonton Oilers are considering Winnipeg Jets defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn as potential targets to bolster their blue line ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period mentioned these possible acquisitions on Oilersnation Everyday, noting that the Oilers' priority might be adding scoring depth on the wing, making any defensive additions a secondary, cost-effective move. He described that the Oilers are looking for an "Ekholm Jr." type of player, meaning a steady, physical defenseman who can solidify the defense without a hefty price tag.
Luke Schenn, a veteran right-shot defenseman, fits the bill as a reliable, if not flashy, option. To acquire Schenn, the Jets might have to retain a portion of his $2.75 million cap hit to make him fit comfortably within Edmonton's cap constraints. While not expected to crack the top six, Schenn would provide crucial depth, especially considering the unlikelihood of a team relying on only six defensemen during the playoffs.
Logan Stanley, almost ten years younger than Schenn, presents another intriguing option. Standing at 6'7", he would bring significant size to the Oilers' defensive corps. His $1.25 million cap hit is also attractive for a team like the Oilers with limited cap space. While Stanley is having his best season, his age and status as a pending unrestricted free agent could increase his acquisition cost.
While Schenn and Stanley are potential targets, other defensemen might be on the Oilers' radar. Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks and Jamie Oleksiak of the Seattle Kraken could be options, although their availability is uncertain as their respective teams are currently in playoff contention. Matt Grzelcyk of the Chicago Blackhawks could be a more affordable alternative.
Ultimately, the Oilers are likely to be active as the trade deadline approaches. However, they will avoid rushing into any deals or overpaying for players. Any new addition must seamlessly integrate into the team's system to help the Oilers in their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
