As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6th, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: contending for a Stanley Cup and looking to bolster their roster. After back-to-back heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final losses, General Manager Stan Bowman is under pressure to make the right moves to finally get the team over the hump.

This year, the Oilers' needs are relatively clear: a bottom-six forward and a shutdown defenseman. While goaltending was a concern in the past, the acquisitions of Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry have solidified that position. Now, the focus shifts to addressing the team's depth and defensive capabilities.

One name that has surfaced as a potential "perfect fit" is Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic identified Zub as tailor-made for what the Oilers need, praising his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively. Through 56 games this season, the 30-year-old Zub has recorded 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) and a +12 rating.

However, acquiring Zub will be a challenge. Mitchell suggests that the Oilers may not have the assets to entice Senators GM Steve Staios, especially considering Zub's importance to Ottawa's defensive game. Zub is also in year three of a four-year, $18.4 million extension, adding another layer of complexity to any potential trade.

If Zub is unattainable, the Oilers will need to explore other options to improve their defense. Several names have been floated as potential targets, though the specific players remain speculative. Bowman has approximately $2.8 million in cap space to work with, which may limit the scope of any potential acquisition. This suggests that the Oilers may be bargain shopping, potentially targeting players like Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann, Brandon Carlo, or Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

In addition to a defenseman, the Oilers are also looking to add a bottom-six forward. The team's bottom six has struggled, and an upgrade is needed to provide more depth and scoring. Several players could be available, including Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, or Ryan O'Reilly. Of those three centers, O'Reilly may be the best fit for the Oilers. Allen Mitchell of The Athletic notes that O'Reilly would bring strong two-way play and excel in faceoffs.

Ultimately, whether the Oilers can land their "perfect fit" from the Senators or elsewhere remains to be seen. GM Stan Bowman faces the challenge of balancing the team's needs with limited cap space and trade assets. As the trade deadline approaches, Oilers fans will be watching closely to see if Bowman can pull off a deal that will propel their team to a Stanley Cup victory.