The potential positive knock-on effect if Evander Kane returns before the playoffs

The Edmonton Oilers are a team aiming to dominate in the playoffs, helped by attempting to make room for Evander Kane and trade for a steady defenceman.

Dallas Stars v Edmonton Oilers - Game Six
Dallas Stars v Edmonton Oilers - Game Six | Leila Devlin/GettyImages

The most interesting situation you might be looking at as an Edmonton Oilers fan, is that the level of depth on the first three lines is taking shape to be an effective unit of forwards balanced out correctly and, most importantly, incredibly potent. The fourth line of bruisers, combined with speed and toughness, creates a well-balanced roster formation.

The Oilers coaching staff has a roster with star firepower and a lineup of solid core scorers, with the type of lineup formation which should be ideal come playoff time. However, they of course need to actually get to the post-season first, before putting together another run at the Stanley Cup Final.

One thing which can help the Oilers down the road, is if and when Evander Kane returns to the roster. With the recent updates on his injury situation, there is also the question of if he will return before the conclusion of the regular season, or not until after the playoffs begin.

A possible trade to help facilitate the return of Evander Kane

Assuming it is before the playoffs, this opens the door to a potential trade of one of the Oilers' current forwards, to help facilitate Kane's return. He can then subsequently be placed in the bottom six to find his groove, until he starts grinding back into gear.

One of two players who come to mind that could be traded, would have to be Mattias Janmark, with the Toronto Maple Leafs a possible option to acquire his services. The second player is Connor Brown, with the San Jose Sharks potentially interested in his services as they previously were with defenceman Cody Ceci.

With the addition of Kane, it makes it easier to think about moving Brown and/or Janmark with a draft pick or prospect, in return for a quality pickup for the Oilers. Both players possess ample playoff experience which could help entice a team.

If the Oilers want a quality D-man specifically

If the Oilers are focused on bringing in a veteran quality defenceman in return, then aiming for a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins would make a lot of sense, particularly for Marcus Pettersson. He would give the Oilers an added level of star and core power that could be an X-factor come the playoffs.

In return, someone like Brown or Janmark could help the Penguins roster. They would be a veteran presence who can complement the likes of Sidney Crosby, while also provide secondary scoring.

The Oilers are doing a marvelous job moving the puck around the ice and capitalizing on key plays. Forward Zach Hyman has been paticularly impressive after being snubbed by Canada for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-off tournament, stepping up and helping his linemates pick up their respective games.

The Oilers' top two lines are clicking well, with the chemistry looking as good as it has done at any time this season. Adding Kane should result in more proven success for a team that will be challenging for the Stanley Cup come playoff time.

It gives the coaching staff options to decide the most effective lines. It also determines which forward combination plays better with whom in that sequence, including the defensive side of the game, with the Oilers organization determined to maximise their chances of success.

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