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3 defenseman trade options for Oilers if they miss out on Erik Karlsson

By Almar Reyes

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators and Mattias Janmark #26 of the Edmonton Oilers battle for the puck along the boards during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on December 19, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Nashville Predators and Mattias Janmark #26 of the Edmonton Oilers battle for the puck along the boards during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on December 19, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 17: John Klingberg #3 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on January 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 17: John Klingberg #3 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on January 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

RD John Klingberg to the Oilers?

If the Oilers are looking for a Karlsson-type of player, the Anaheim Ducks’ defenseman John Klingberg fits that mould. Yes, we are aware of his struggles this season, but almost any defenseman will have a terrible year if they are playing in Anaheim this season.  Klingberg was just a season removed from scoring 41 points with the Dallas Stars wherein he was the top-pairing defenseman and the quarterback of the 1st power-play unit. Klingberg also desired to sign with the Oilers last offseason, but he opted to take a one-year deal with the Ducks.

Trading for Klingberg will not be difficult compared to the defensemen mentioned earlier as he is a free agent this offseason. Anaheim Ducks are all but in rebuild mode and will be willing to trade away players to get future draft picks to help that process. By trading Klingberg to the Oilers, the Ducks assure themselves of a draft pick instead of losing him in free agency for nothing.

Some picks might be added to this deal depending on how much money the Ducks are willing to retain. Not only that the Oilers get a defenseman to pair with Nurse, but they also do it without giving away from their own defensive core.

Next. The Edmonton Oilers Should Help The Nashville Predators Start Their Rebuild. dark

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