The Edmonton Oilers are in clear need of a right shot defenceman heading into the playoffs this year, but one prominent insider is saying they may be adjusting their plans.
Insider Bob Stauffer reported today that the Oilers may have to explore other options rather than their prime target of a right shot defenceman. There simply aren't many quality options, so the Oilers could target a left shot to play the right side.
As for lefty defenceman, there's a few more higher pedigree options that could move the needle significantly more for the Oilers. Ivan Provorov from the Columbus Blue Jackets has been linked to the Oilers already as a left shot that can play the right side, and now insider Paul Almeida is connecting the Oilers to Anaheim Ducks defenceman Adam Fowler.
Both Provorov and Fowler aren't perfect fits as a right shot to play next to Darnell Nurse, but they may be the best the Oilers can acquire. They'll have to do significant scouting to make sure that any candidate can play their off-side well, and fit in with Darnell Nurse's game. The biggest reason the Oilers need another defender is to hide Nurse's flaws.
Edmonton needs to hit a home run with their trade for a defenceman this season. In their incredible playoff run last year, the team had so few flaws, except for Nurse and the second pairing getting caved in. This year's team is slightly different, but the need for defence is constant.
As we move closer to the trade deadline, it'll be exciting to track every option for an Oilers trade as they become available, because it's clear the team is willing to pay up to make a high impact trade. Get excited Oilers fans!
