There is no doubt that the Edmonton Oilers need a boost in order to try and turn this season around. They have already fired the coach, which didn’t help this team get any better. Now it appears that a trade may be on the horizon.
That being said every NHL team can see the struggling Oilers coming and will raise the price up on anything that may help the Edmonton Oilers. In order to make a trade work the Oilers will need to help the team they are trading with.
A team that I think is a perfect trade partner for the Oilers is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are at the start of the rebuild, so they aren’t planning to be super competitive for a few years and will be looking for younger players and draft picks.
Historical context of Oilers poor start to 2023-24 season
A look back through Edmonton Oilers history to see exactly how bad their start to the 2023-24 campaign is and the potential outcome at season's end.
With the fact the Blackhawks aren’t likely going to be competitive for a few years, they would be able to take in some extra cap if it comes with a draft pick. This is also something the Oilers need. With the cap scenario the Oilers are in they could you some help by dumping some salaries. Jack Campbell is the prime candidate for that.
The Blackhawks only have a handful of skaters that will be returning to that team next season. This is another positive reason why the Oilers would make a trade with this team, as most players would be a rental.
What do the Oilers Actually Need?
- Goaltending
- This is the biggest and most obvious change that would be looked at. There is no strong player in that position right now. A change here would make the biggest change.
- Lockerroom Veteran
- There needs to be a player in this organization that would be able to speak up and call a player that makes an error. Also when this team goes off the rails, a calming presence is needed sometimes.
- A Tough Shutdown Defenseman
- Ever since the Oilers lost Adam Larsson they have been looking to replace him. Ekholm was a good effort, but they need that on the right side to push Bouchard down the lineup.