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What to Expect for the Edmonton Oilers in 2023?

By Gabriel Candido

Jun 6, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41), defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) and defenseman Cody Ceci (5) during the third period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41), defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) and defenseman Cody Ceci (5) during the third period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) skates the puck out from behind the net in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (44) skates the puck out from behind the net in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports /

Vladislav Gavrikov

A name that recently was talked about by the Edmonton Oilers having some interest is Vladislav Gavrikov, from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Such as the last two, he is a left defenseman who will be a UFA at the end of this season, so paying something to the Blue Jackets for half of a season wouldn’t be such a smart move, and the Oilers need to win now.

Gavrikov is 27 years old and like Ekholm, played his whole career in only one team. He has 9 points (2-7) on 34 games in a team that is currently at the bottom of the league. As the other two, he would for sure improve the defense and could be used for cap reasons as well, but with Chychrun and Ekholm on the table, he shouldn’t be the first option.

But for sure he would be a better option compared to names like Joel Edmundson and Erik Karlsson. The first wouldn’t improve the Edmonton Oilers defense and wouldn’t change the scenario he has right now with Nurse and Kulak. The second one is for sure a great player, but the Oilers don’t need a defenseman who has an offensive presence. At this moment, Karlsson is the leader on points among defensemen by a mile, with 50 on only 37 games (13-37), and the Oilers need a defenseman who gets his best at the defensive side. And Karlsson also has a contract of 11.5M AAV until 2027.

Edmonton Oilers Moving Forward

One thing is sure, with the team we are looking at right now, the Edmonton Oilers will be fighting for the playoffs until the end of the regular season with teams like the Seattle Kraken and the Los Angeles Kings. And it’s hard to think a team has to go through it with the two best players on their primes. THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW!

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