The Edmonton Oilers are eventually going to bolster their roster. In order to do that they will likely do that by acquiring talent from struggling teams at the bottom of the NHL standings. The bottom five teams in the standings right now are the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks. With them being so low in the standings they may look to sell players and prioritize rebuilding. Here’s a look at potential trade targets from each team that could help the Oilers strengthen their lineup.
Chicago Blackhawks
Target: Seth Jones (D, Age 30)
Stats: 17 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS, -5
Reasoning: Jones is a proven defenseman capable of logging heavy minutes and contributing on both ends of the ice. With the Oilers needing stability on the back end, Jones could thrive in a structured environment alongside Edmonton's elite forwards. His ability to generate offense from the blue line and quarterback a power play makes him an enticing option. However, his contract would require financial maneuvering, likely swapping Jones and Nurse.
Target: Taylor Hall (LW, Age 33)
Stats: 20 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 PTS, -6
Reasoning: Hall's offensive struggles this season could make him a buy-low candidate. Returning to Edmonton, where he began his career, could revitalize his production. Hall’s speed and playmaking ability remain assets, and he could add depth to the Oilers' top nine forward group.
Nashville Predators
Target: Jeremy Lauzon (D, Age 27)
Stats: 22 GP, 0 G, 1A, 1 PTS, -4
Reasoning: Lauzon is a rugged, defensively minded blueliner who can provide physicality and penalty-killing support. His ability to play a simple, reliable game in his own end would bring much-needed depth to the Oilers' defense corps. Lauzon’s affordable contract and defensive reliability make him a practical target for a team looking to shore up its back end without breaking the bank.
Montreal Canadiens
Target: Mike Matheson (D, Age 30)
Stats: 20 GP, 1 G, 12 A, 13 PTS, -9
Reasoning: Matheson has quietly developed into a solid puck-moving defenseman who can contribute offensively. His mobility and ability to transition the puck fit well with the Oilers' high-tempo style of play.
Target: Josh Anderson (RW, Age 30)
Stats: 21 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 PTS, -1
Reasoning: Anderson’s size, speed, and physicality would make him a formidable addition to the Oilers' forward group. While his offensive output has been low this season, his ability to play a power-forward role could provide a new dimension to Edmonton’s lineup.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Target: Bryan Rust (RW, Age 32)
Stats: 16 GP, 5 G, 3 A, 8 PTS, -16
Reasoning: Rust brings grit, defensive responsibility, and timely scoring. His experience in high-pressure situations, including deep playoff runs, makes him a potential asset for the Oilers. Rust’s two-way game could complement Edmonton’s stars and provide a stabilizing presence in the top six.
San Jose Sharks
Target: Mario Ferraro (D, Age 25)
Stats: 20 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS, -11
Reasoning: Ferraro is a young, defensively sound blueliner who can play tough minutes against top competition. His physicality and ability to kill penalties would address some of Edmonton’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Targeting players from struggling teams offers the Oilers a chance to address critical roster needs. Whether it’s adding defensive depth, secondary scoring, or veteran leadership, the right moves could set Edmonton up for success in a competitive Western Conference. Balancing the acquisition cost with the team’s current cap constraints will be essential, but these players represent intriguing options to consider as the trade deadline approaches.
What do you think of these potential targets? Are there others the Oilers should pursue? Let’s discuss in the comments!