As an observer and analyst of the Edmonton Oilers, I know that this is where the steps will be for the team heading into the pre-season action, followed by the start of the regular less than a month away. This analysis is based upon the current steps management is taking to build on the roster, not to mention the steps they will take to keep the balance of competition and cap space till the deadline, to keep pace with the other teams.
The steps taken to secure the Edmonton Oilers roster
First scenario
Oilers management is taking steps to rely on the team's respective scouts, who may try to muster up assets during the period of the Rookie's Tournament. These steps will suggest if the team is going to pull the trigger on making a quick and simple move that would work for their system.
One scenario suggests that If Evander Kane does indeed go on LITR, and the cap space is available to GM Stan Bowman, he could try to make a move supposedly with a defenseman. Particularly, Brett Kulak or Darnell Nurse.
Offloading at least one contract would stretch the word and provide ample cap space for the club, with Nurse's contract being the heftier deal on the roster. They may add a forward or a prospect that is achieving to sweeten the deal, even a draft pick would be an asset to use in this type of trade.
Second scenario
The second aspect of the business is that if the injury is a short-term problem, they will remain patient until either Christmas time or the trade deadline, where a blockbuster would take place, with a mix of the first scenario I wrote earlier.
Being patient means that they did indeed scout teams regarding defensemen and the need at the moment in time would be to stand pat with the current players available on the roster and not take any other chances that may come back and haunt the team.
This scenario would give management the time and process to find a way to acquire a star or elite type of defenseman to complement the team. Depth is essential; a goal-scoring defenseman would be ideal for the Oilers' roster; acquiring two types of defensemen during the trade deadline may be the agenda for Bowman.
If he is content with the current forward system.
Third scenario
The Edmonton Oilers will make a move before the start of the regular season during the pre-season of action. This is where they might engage within a team from their division and improve their chances of securing a depth filled defense system.
Pulling the trigger early means the team would have no option but to acquire a player or two. A defenseman is mainly a seasoned veteran or upcoming prospect coming their way as well. This would fill the void of paying a heftier price for a defenseman at the trade deadline and give the Oilers unit options to work with in the future.
There are a number of quality defensemen in the market and the mystery is where this team in general is heading.