3 Way To Early Defensive Deadline Acquistions For The Edmonton Oilers
The season is still months away for the Edmonton Oilers, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't start looking at trade deadline targets... does it?
With the puck drop to the NHL season 70 days away, the Edmonton Oilers are one of the few teams around the NHL who are going into the season thinking Stanley Cup or bust. After having lost to the eventual cup winners 3 years in a row the Oilers look for this year to be their year to hoist the cup once again finally.
While the Oilers need to make the playoffs, taking a quick look at their roster there is no doubt that they will make the playoffs this season. If they do not we have got bigger problems. So that means by the time the NHL trade deadline rolls around the Edmonton Oilers will be looking to bring in some major pieces to push this team over the edge.
The main area I think the Oilers are going to look to improve in is on their blueline. The thing with the Oilers is they have what could be the best forward group in the NHL and a goalie that has the ability to steal a game or two. It is their defensive group that is only slightly above average. For a team that has only Cup aspirations, you need every aspect of your team to be better than slightly above average.
For this article, I am focusing on players that are going to be rentals. A rental is a player who will become a UFA at the end of the season. Another thing that I have done is take out teams that I know are not going to be sellers at the deadline. For example, Aaron Ekblad becomes a UFA, but I can assume the Florida Panthers will not be sellers, so I did not make him an option for the Oilers. Without further ado, here is the start of the list.
Jakob Chychrun
The first player I am thinking of for the Edmonton Oilers is Jakob Chychrun, currently playing for the Washington Capitals. Here are several reasons why acquiring Chychrun could be a strategic move for the Oilers.
Defensive Stability and Depth
The Oilers have long been known for their offensive firepower, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their defense has often been cited as a weakness, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Adding a player like Chychrun, who is an excellent skater with a high hockey IQ, would provide much-needed stability and depth to the Oilers' blue line. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining solid defensive play would be a significant asset.
Chychrun’s career statistics highlight his capability as a top-four defenseman. He has consistently shown an ability to produce points from the back end, which would complement the Oilers' high-octane offense. His presence could alleviate some of the pressure on the Oilers' existing defensemen, allowing them to play more confidently and effectively.
Playoff Aspirations
With McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, the Oilers are firmly in a "win-now" mode. They have a narrow window to capitalize on the elite talent they possess. The acquisition of Chychrun would be a clear signal of the team's commitment to contending for the Stanley Cup. His playoff experience and ability to play significant minutes would be invaluable in the postseason, where defensive reliability becomes even more crucial.
Cap Considerations
Chychrun's current cap hit of $4.6 million is relatively manageable for a player of his caliber. The Oilers would need to navigate their cap space carefully, but Chychrun's contract provides good value, especially when compared to other top-four defensemen around the league. This financial aspect makes him an attractive target as the Oilers look to make impactful additions without severely hampering their salary cap situation.
Strategic Fit
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Chychrun's style of play aligns well with the Oilers' strategic needs. His offensive capabilities from the blue line would add a new dimension to the Oilers' attack lower in the lineup, creating more opportunities and variability in their play.
The Capitals’ Situation
The Washington Capitals, Chychrun’s current team, are in a different phase of their competitive cycle and will possibly be looking to sell at the deadline. If the Capitals are looking to rebuild or retool, trading Chychrun for promising young players and draft picks could align with their long-term goals. The Oilers acquire a key piece for their playoff push, and the Capitals gain valuable assets for the future.
Ivan Provorov
The second player the Edmonton Oilers might consider acquiring at the deadline is Ivan Provorov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here are several compelling reasons why this move could be a strategic fit for the Oilers.
Defensive Stability and Depth
The Oilers, known for their offensive prowess with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have often struggled with defensive consistency. Ivan Provorov, a smooth-skating defenseman with a knack for moving the puck and getting his shot on net, could provide the stability and depth the Oilers need on the blue line. Provorov's ability to log significant minutes (averaging over 23 minutes per game throughout his career) would be a substantial boost for the Oilers' defense, particularly in high-stakes situations.
Provorov's career stats reflect his capability as a top-pairing defenseman. With 249 points (70 goals, 179 assists) in 614 NHL games, he brings a blend of offensive contributions and reliable defensive play. His experience and skill set would complement the Oilers' current defensive lineup, enhancing their overall performance.
Cap Considerations
Provorov carries a cap hit of $4.725 million, with 30% of his original contract absorbed by the Los Angeles Kings. This makes his effective cap hit for the Oilers even more manageable. Given his performance and the relatively low cap hit, Provorov offers excellent value, making him an attractive target as the Oilers look to strengthen their roster without compromising their salary cap structure.
Strategic Fit
Provorov's style of play aligns well with the Oilers' needs. His ability to move the puck efficiently and contribute offensively from the blue line would add a new dimension to the Oilers' attack. Additionally, his defensive reliability and ability to log heavy minutes would alleviate pressure on the Oilers' existing defensemen, allowing them to play more effectively.
Provorov's journey, which began with his move from Russia to North America at age 13 to learn the North American style of hockey, demonstrates his dedication and adaptability. His career trajectory, highlighted by accolades such as WHL Defenseman of the Year and CHL Defenseman of the Year, underscores his high level of performance and potential.
The Blue Jackets’ Situation
The Columbus Blue Jackets, Provorov’s current team, are a team that are in a rebuild because of this, trading Provorov for promising young players and draft picks could align with their long-term goals. This scenario creates a potential win-win situation, where the Oilers acquire a key piece for their playoff push, and the Blue Jackets gain valuable assets for the future.
Ryan Suter
The Edmonton Oilers may be looking to bolster their defense with experienced and reliable players. One such candidate is Ryan Suter, currently with the St. Louis Blues. Here are several reasons why acquiring Suter could be a strategic move for the Oilers.
Defensive Stability and Experience
Ryan Suter, a seasoned NHL defenseman, has long been considered a workhorse on the blue line. Known for his excellent skating, passing, and defensive acumen, Suter could provide the Oilers with the stability and experience they need, especially as they push for a deep playoff run. Over his extensive career, Suter has amassed 681 points (105 goals, 576 assists) in 1,444 NHL games, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Suter's career statistics highlight his durability and consistency. He has been a key player in various teams' defensive cores, including the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and now the St. Louis Blues. His ability to log heavy minutes (averaging over 24 minutes per game throughout his career) would be invaluable for the Oilers, particularly in high-stakes playoff situations.
Cap Considerations
One of the most attractive aspects of acquiring Suter is his cap hit. Currently carrying a cap hit of $750,000, Suter is a highly affordable option for the Oilers, who are close to the top of the salary cap. His low cap hit makes him an attractive target, allowing the Oilers to strengthen their defense without significant financial strain.
Strategic Fit
Suter’s style of play aligns well with the Oilers' needs. His ability to move the puck efficiently, coupled with his defensive reliability, would complement the Oilers’ existing defensive lineup. Suter’s experience and leadership qualities would also be beneficial in the locker room, providing guidance to younger players and fostering a winning mentality.
The Blues’ Situation
Just like both the Capitals and the Blue Jackets, the Blues are looking to rebuild, trading Suter for promising young players and draft picks could help speed that up. This scenario creates a potential win-win situation, where the Oilers acquire a key piece for their playoff push, and the Blues gain valuable assets for the future.
Is What The Oilers Done This Offseason Enough To Hoist The Stanley Cup?. Is What The Oilers Done This Offseason Enough To Hoist The Stanley Cup?. dark. Next
While it is still a very long ways away the Edmonton Oilers do need to keep their eye on what type of move they plan to make at the deadline. If they are going big game hunting they will need to figure out how much cap space they will need to clear up and that planning should be started already.
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