The Edmonton Oilers precedence must be a right-handed, second-pairing defenseman
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers have a number of areas of want, however they don’t actually have a lot wage cap house to work with and restricted commerce belongings. They need to be looking for a right-handed defenseman who can play on the second pair.
Some commerce candidates may embody Dougie Hamilton (Devils), Luke Schenn (Jets), Justin Faulk (Blues), Connor Murphy (Blackhawks), Andrew Peeke (Bruins), Zach Whitecloud (Flames), John Carlson (Capitals) and Braden Schneider (Rangers).
Hamilton or Carlson could be good, however they arrive with a giant cap hit and a excessive asking worth.. Schneider is an RFA and a riskier transfer. The Flames seemingly don’t wish to assist out the Oilers. Peeke and Murphy haven’t been having nice seasons.
Possible not accessible commerce candidates: Artem Zub (Senators) and Dylan DeMelo (Jets).
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers may search for a third-line heart on the deadline. Adam Henrique could also be higher suited to the fourth line. Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Boone Jenner or Charlie Coyle could be good, however the Blue Jackets seemingly aren’t promoting at this level.
Discovering a top-four, right-handed defenseman could also be extra of a precedence.
TSNs Craig Button thinks the Oilers may have a look at the Chicago Blackhawks and perhaps go double-dipping.
“For me, all day lengthy, I’d take (UFA) Connor Murphy on defence. He’s the precise shot man who may play with (Darnell) Nurse. And whereas they’re at it, may the Oilers additionally ask about Hawks’ Jason Dickinson? He may very well be their third-line centre. These two issues ideally could be on their want record.”
Luke Schenn (Jets) isn’t a top-four man. Andrew Peeke (Bruins) is on the market, however he is probably not a lot better. Nick Perbix (Predators) has two years at $2.75 million. Is Perbix higher than somebody like Murphy? Might the Oilers get the Flyers to retain 50 % of Rasmus Ristolainen‘s $5.1 million? Button throws out making an attempt to get Michael Kesselring (Sabres).
It’s believed the Flyers desire a first-round decide for Ristolainen. Murphy could be lower than that. Button throws out Isaac Howard for Murphy and Dickinson. Howard is a non-starter.
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