Edmonton Oilers team evaluation after two weeks of NHL action

The Edmonton Oilers are being seen as a team that has lost some of its previous dominance. So far, they have struggled to play at their best, which has led to questions about their readiness this season. However, considering the early stages of competition, it appears they may not have been fully primed to reclaim the level of dominance they’ve previously shown. Honestly, the new acquisitions are not producing as the GM had hoped. The team may need to consider trading for a more reliable player who can better complement their efforts to win games.

This is likely the most common scenario the GM is considering for the Edmonton Oilers, who recently enjoyed a shutout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins with an impressive 4-0 victory, followed by an overtime win against the Red Wings, and then a disappointing loss last night. Will this Oilers team be able to pick up the pace from where they left off in that game and begin the winning streak I previously wrote about?

The direction the Edmonton Oilers are heading

The defensive aspect of this team raises significant questions, and the choice of player GM Stan Bowman decides to acquire will likely determine whether he is praised or criticized. Factors such as available cap space and the type of player acquired will play crucial roles in shaping this decision.

Not making a move sooner rather than later could cost the Oilers significantly down the stretch in their pursuit of top-notch talent. This situation raises an interesting question: who could the Edmonton GM afford to part with in exchange for an elite or all-star caliber defenseman?

There are many defensemen available on the trade market, along with an abundance of forwards for depth. However, pursuing these options would likely require a complete roster overhaul to better support the needs of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

More importantly, these depth players would need to be third- or fourth-line forwards, including the defenseman acquired in a package that could significantly shake up the Edmonton Oilers' lineup.

This team is poised to win, but they are not equipped to do so consistently with their current lineup, particularly as they struggle to score from the defensive end. While they can keep games close, they are not performing at the elite level they achieved last season, when the players were more familiar with one another.

The best trade scenario for the Oilers to pursue and what player on the team will be on the chopping block from this standpoint

I'll be honest: goalie Stuart Skinner's performance has not been up to par. However, if the team begins to find its rhythm and he regains his form, he may not be a player the team considers trading at the deadline for a more refined goaltender.

Defenseman Ty Emberson and forward Vasily Podkolzin could be used to facilitate a trade if the right opportunity arises, particularly for a forward who can contribute significantly to the Oilers' lineup. This strategy would have notable implications for the trade market itself.

If Oilers management acts quickly to trade for a valuable player, expect them to flip a depth player along with a draft pick and a low-profile player to ensure a fair value trade. This approach would help balance cap space adjustments and equalize the roster capabilities for both teams.

An interesting scenario could involve developing players more thoroughly to prepare them as trade bait. Jeff Skinner or Victor Arvidsson could serve as that depth player. Ultimately, the more skilled of the two may remain with the Oilers in the long run, while the other could be traded to another team.

All of this could be part of a package aimed at acquiring an elite defenseman or goaltender to help safeguard the team against any disruptions as they approach the postseason. However, further shaking things up may create chemistry issues, so making simple adjustments, given that most of last year's roster remains intact, would likely be the best approach for the coaching staff and management.

As the Oilers navigate their current struggles, the urgency for strategic trades becomes paramount. Will management prioritize a roster overhaul to reclaim their former dominance, or will they focus on refining their existing talent to forge a path back to consistent victory?