Fansided

Grading the Edmonton Oilers on their trade deadline 

How well did the Oilers do overall in addressing their needs?

By Edward Eng |
Chicago Blackhawks v Anaheim Ducks
Chicago Blackhawks v Anaheim Ducks / Sean M. Haffey/GettyImages
2 of 2
Next

As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the stretch run in preparation for the playoffs, they made some key moves at the trade deadline to bolster their roster. How well did they do in addressing some of their needs? Here, we will grade the work done by the Oilers this past week with hopes that the moves made will greatly improve the team’s chances to win the Stanley Cup.

Additions of Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick

The Oilers clearly addressed some of their depth up front with the key acquisitions of both Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks. Henrique brings with him a breadth of experience after spending 14 years in the NHL with New Jersey and Anaheim. Also, he can provide added leadership to the Oilers, having been alternate captain on the previous teams he had suited up for. More importantly, Henrique will provide great flexibility, as he can slot in as a strong center option on the third line, as well as be injected anywhere in the top six for an all-out offensive attack. In addition, he has proven to be a consistent scorer throughout his career, averaging close to 20+ goals a season. 

Sam Carrick, brings with him his aggressive game and feistiness, as his 90 PIM accumulated with the Ducks instantly makes him the leader in that department on his new Oilers team. Added to the fact he can deliver some bone-rattling hits, along with an added scoring touch with 8 goals in 61 games with the Ducks, he will be a perfect addition to the Oilers’ checking fourth line heading into the playoffs. 

Although they weren’t superstar additions, they do move the needle in terms of making the Oilers a better team than they were before. As well, it showed that management cared seriously about winning and wasn’t about to just sit this one out just because the team had been strong and doing well so far.

Grade: A-

Defenseman Troy Stecher (51)
Defenseman Troy Stecher (51) / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Addition to the back end with Troy Stecher

The Oilers have had their defence come up big at times in recent months, not only offensively but defensively as well, with stalwarts Evan Bouchard, Matthias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse leading the way. But as they say, you can never have enough defensive depth, especially when heading into the grinds of the playoffs. As a result, the last-minute acquisition of veteran Troy Stecher as insurance depth for the back end was a safe yet smart move by GM Ken Holland.

Although his stats certainly don’t show, Stecher is actually a solid puck-moving defenceman, along with being an adequate bottom-four pairing defensively. With his smaller stature, he may have some trouble moving out bodies from the front of the net in the defensive zone, but his positioning and shot-blocking ability make up for some of his shortcomings. He won’t be a huge difference-maker for the team, but he can slot in anywhere to play a good, solid overall game when needed.

Grade: B-

How did the Oilers fare compared to their closest rivals?

When it comes to looking at the Oilers’ upgrades concerning those within their division, it is quite obvious that it pales in comparison to the work that the Vegas Golden Knights did. The Golden Knights are currently desperately trying to chase down the Oilers and everyone else in the Pacific. As a result, went out to grab Anthony Martha, Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl. Those huge moves easily made them the biggest trade deadline winners this year, while giving them now a big boost down the stretch to solidify a playoff spot. Although it is highly unlikely that will catch up to and knock the Oilers out of a playoff spot, however, there is now a great possibility of both teams meeting in the first round to make it a battle for the ages.

Did the Oilers do enough to give themselves a fair chance to take out the Golden Knights this season after losing to them last year? Only time will tell, but on paper, the daring moves by the Golden Knights at the deadline make them the biggest threats to the Oilers quest to the Stanley Cup, perhaps even more now than the division-leading Vancouver Canucks. With that in mind, perhaps the failure to make one big addition at the deadline by the Oilers left a bit to be desired. Nevertheless, overall, they did a solid job in patching up any of their concerns heading into the stretch run.

Overall: B+

Next
Home / Editorials

Schedule