After starting the season 3-6-1, the Edmonton Oilers are looking for answers to their scoring woes, especially on the wing. And with only a few of their players stepping up to the plate, the team could be looking for help via the trade market.
As per Sportsnet‘s Mark Spector, a source said that General Manager Peter Chiarelli has been exploring trade options to improve scoring on the wing. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston additionally reported that the Oilers are also gathering interest on right winger Jussi Jokinen, who signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with Edmonton in the offseason.
Though many hoped he could recapture his offensive prowess with the young, fast Oilers, the 34-year-old has been lacklustre so far for the Oilers offensively, registering just a single assist through nine games this season. At Monday’s practice, he again found himself on the outs of the lineup, skating as an extra forward on a line with Jujhar Khaira and Chris Kelly.
Spector also reported that a source said that General Manager Peter Chiarelli would be willing to ship out winger Anton Slepyshev for more help on the right side. Not only that, Sportsnet learned that at least one team has reached out about defenceman Matt Benning, but that doesn’t mean the Oilers aren’t necessarily shopping him.
Slepyshev had four goals and 10 points in 41 games with Edmonton last season and shined in the team’s 13-game postseason run with three goals. However, so far this season, he has gone scoreless through seven games and hasn’t had a strong offensive impact.
Edmonton Oilers
Should Trades Be Imminent This Early?
Considering the team’s struggles, it is easy to see why they are looking to make changes, especially this early on. The Oilers have the worst offensive output in the league so far averaging just 2.2 goals per game. Their 12.1 percent success on the man advantage is the second-worst among all teams, and they haven’t been able to make the most out of any of their opportunities.
Though it is still early, players beyond the top line are not giving the extra effort to score, nor are they stepping up to the challenge. Players like Slepyshev, Jokinen and even Ryan Strome are failing to contribute much on the forecheck, and at times, they can’t seem to break into the offensive zone and create chances.
In the end, something has to give, and ultimately, the team is struggling to start and right now, only the star players are pulling the weight. So understandably, it may be time for the Oilers to make a change and to spark something before it’s too late.