Oilers' defensive struggles and 3 realistic blue line trade targets

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Through three games this season, the Oilers have been rather poor as indicated by the results. Many analytics cowboys point to some underlying numbers that look good, but unfortunately games are not won or lost in a computer and this squad desperately needs to simplify some things in order to get back on track, on the ice.

This isn't to scoff at analytics by the way, we use them and are proponents of fancy stats here, but to constantly point to them when the actual results aren't there grows tiresome to us all, especially to frustrated players.

The eye test tells us quite a few things that directly affect the aforementioned numbers. Speed is just not a part of this roster's identity nor is physicality, which are two very simple things you can use in hockey to will yourself out of a funk. The defending as a unit has been bad overall, too many turnovers and missed assignments, and both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard need to be better.

Sunday night against the Flames, Mikael Backlund slashed Skinner on the back of his leg where there is no padding and not a single Oilers player did anything about it. Edmonton totalled 13 hits on the night as a team to Calgary's 27.

Their speed according to NHL Edge is in the bottom quadrant of most bursts, at 18-22 km/h. They aren't handling the puck well when they do possess it, and when they are getting decent looks they aren't able to finish them.

So, is it time to hit the panic button? Definitely not, but the noise is already getting loud and some of it is warranted and while there is a plethora of issues that can be discussed, there is one key takeaway I believe needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Darnell Nurse's partner needs to be solidified

In these three games thus far, Nurse has played with all of Troy Stetcher, Ty Emberson, and Travis Dermott and none of the three pairings have produced tidy results. All three players are fine as depth guys and Emberson could turn into something more eventually, but this team needs results right now. They cannot afford to keep running this experiment that is a revolving door on the second pairing, with a guy who is under the most pressure and criticism in this market often times for good reason. Management elected to go with this group instead of bringing in one of Justin Schultz or Kevin Shattenkirk (or Tyson Barrie I may add) in order to accrue cap space to put towards a deadline acquisition, and through three games that decision looks to be a poor one.

It is definitely a small sample size and I must reiterate I don't view this current state of affairs as a time to completely overreact and/or push the panic button, but both things can be true. This team's offence will not stay this stagnant forever. It will turn the tide which will help get some wins, but they also need a solution for this pairing right quick. A trade is unlikely. A recall for Max Wanner or bringing in one of those UFA's is the only immediate fix they can turn to and Wanner is not a guarantee to deliver different results being a rookie. Nor is it a guarantee that Schultz or Shattenkirk improve the pairing. For the sake of speculation though, let's explore a trade.

Who is a realistic trade target?

A trade is almost a certainty at the deadline all things considered, but the Oilers have very little in assets to provide a team with, to get any blue chip player. At this stage of the season, it's unlikely that many teams -- if any -- would be willing to make a splashy move and much like we said last year when Edmonton was struggling, they'll once again be dealing from a position of weakness.

Unlike last season however, there is one weapon they have at their disposal this time around and that is cap flexibility. Today they have 5.125 million in LTIR pool and just over $1 million in actual space, which will become just under $5 million total at the deadline. Fitting someone under that right now is actually pretty doable. Here's some names I think make sense.

1. Zach Bogosian (RHD) Minnesota Wild

He currently plays on Minnesota's second pairing with Jonas Brodin and they make a formidable pairing. The Wild are however struggling a bit out of the gate (1-0-2) and more importantly, next season they are finally alleviated by the buyout penalties of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, and will finally have some cap flexibility.

The reason why Bogosian is added here is because I don't figure him to be a major focal point of Bill Guerin's long-term plan. He is a solid defender, but at 34 years old it seems as though they could benefit from a draft pick to make room for some of their younger prospects and giving themselves even more wiggle room financially.

He is much like the rest of the team, not so hot out of the gate, but his underlying numbers were very good last season and at a $1.25 million AAV for two years he would fill a very specific role that the Oilers desperately need. And this dollar figure would be only slightly higher than what it would cost you to bring in Schultz or Shattenkirk, who both did not have a training camp.

2. Jan Rutta (RHD) San Jose Sharks

Rutta comes in at a higher dollar figure and would be more difficult to fit in under the ceiling. However, this man has some very respectable numbers including in the playoffs with Tampa Bay where he's won two Stanley Cups, something only one current Oiler has done in their career.

This player is very much a better, more reliable and less expensive version of what Cody Ceci was. It isn't an upgrade of massive proportions, but it would nonethless be an upgrade. San Jose will be taking calls on him this year at the deadline and I fully expect Edmonton to be one of the teams who comes calling.

3. Timothy Liljegren (RHD) Toronto Maple Leafs

This player makes the most sense, almost too much sense, in every way except for financially. At $3 million per year for the next two seasons, this contract would be very difficult to fit into their cap structure. Definitely not impossible, and certainly not at the deadline when they have even more space. However, waiting may not be feasible if they have identified this man as a potential solution.

Liljegrens numbers are great, and yet he's fallen out of favour, reportedly, with new bench boss Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving. So much so, it's become apparent he is on the trade block. Here are some numbers for you to digest.

Two seasons ago in 1,024 minutes of time on ice, he produced six goals and 12 assists for 18 points, but his play driving was exceptional. He was +24, had a 53.00 dangerous fenwick for percentage, and 62.20 goals for percentage. These numbers are execellent anyway you slice it. His knock is that he lacks speed and purpose at times which is something that doesn't necessarily jive well with what the Oilers are currently lacking, but those numbers man, are something they are also sorely in need of. He regressed slightly last season in less time on ice, although he did deal with injury and the numbers were still exceptional.

Next. Studs and duds from the Oilers' first 3 games of the season. Studs and duds from the Oilers' first 3 games of the season. dark

The Dallas Stars are also in need of a right-handed defenceman and know that the Oilers -- who knocked them out in the conference finals last season -- are going to be bidders, and the Stars have considerably more assets to outbid them with. Therefore, the time may be nigh for Edmonton to make a move.