The Edmonton Oilers have long been in the market to add a defenceman this season, but according to new reports they might also be looking for a forward as well.
The Oilers have been connected all year to defenceman, with Mike Matheson recently being named the top target by Bob Stauffer.
Now, Stauffer is also saying that the Edmonton Oilers will be adding a forward in trade. On Oilers Now yesterday, Stauffer suggested that the bottom six isn't constructed to succeed in the playoffs, and they need to add some toughness.
What do the Edmonton Oilers do to change the dynamics of the bottom six? I thought that both Vegas and Florida turned up the physical intensity, and the Oilers were unable to match They don't have any dimension to their fourth line."-Bob Stauffer
Evander Kane's return from injury could be a wild card for the Oilers. He may be perfectly suited to add some toughness to the bottom six, but it's possible the 33 year old could have a slow start after missing an entire year.
Other than that, Stauffer is absolutely right to note that the Oilers bottom six as constructed is simply not built for the playoffs.
Insider Says Edmonton Oilers Aren't Built to Win in Playoffs, Need to Add Forward in Trade
Stauffer does have a point that the Oilers bottom six lacks any sort of physical presence at the moment, and that they were pounded against Vegas and Florida.
Throughout the show, Stauffer suggested a few trade candidates that could come in and boost the Oilers fourth line. Some options Stauffer mentioned included Trent Frederic, Mark Kastelic, and Matthew Olivier.
It seems that the Oilers will take out Derek Ryan when Viktor Arvidsson returns from injury, and when Evander Kane is back another player will be pulled from the lineup.
Demoted down to that fourth line with no identity, Jeff Skinner seems to be the player most likely to be traded. It's also possible Evander Kane could be the player to be traded, but he fits what the Oilers need in the bottom six.
The Oilers will have some tough salary cap decisions to make to add a forward and defenceman this year in trade, but it seems like they absolutely need both.
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