NHL Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston have predicted that the Oilers may target depth defenceman David Savard in trade, as well as star goalie John Gibson.
The Oilers have been connected to David Savard previously this season, as well as reports that John Gibson would waive his no-trade clause to join Edmonton.
All season the Oilers have been reported to be in the market for an impact defenceman, but their latest defensive successes may change their priorities.
In a new piece for the Athletic, Chris Johnston predicted the Oilers to be the team to acquire Gibson to address their below average goaltending results
"The Oilers have been humming along through December with Stuart Skinnerlogging a majority of starts and don't have any apparent need at the position. However, they are a bottom-10 team in terms of save percentage and aren't loaded with options beyond Skinner in the event they ever have to play an extended run without him.So while Gibson may not be a priority addition, he could be a sensible one - especially in the scenario detailed above where he's being acquired with a $3.2 million cap hit.
- Chris Johnston, the Athletic
On defence, Pierre Lebrun suggested the Edmonton Oilers don't need to acquire a top four defender, and instead could use a depth physical presence and penalty killer like David Savard.
"Enter the Oilers. There will be sexier trade targets on the market, to be sure, but I think as a sixth or seventh defenseman who can help kill penalties and who won a Cup with the Lightning - plus is a right-shot D - he's a sensible idea for Edmonton. Especially considering I don't think Savard would cost an arm and a leg.- Pierre LeBrun, the Athletic
The Edmonton Oilers have been producing much better defensive results than expected this season, with depth defenders like Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson stepping up to adequately fill a role - as well as Darnell Nurse's miraculous turnaround.
The improved defensive results have caused more than a few analysts to suggest that the Oilers may be better suited adding an impact player elsewhere.
With their team save percentage and all other goaltending stats ranking in the bottom 10, trading for a veteran starting goalie like Gibson would be a sensible idea.
There's concern that Gibson may not be the star goalie he once was, but he's having a successful year with a .909 save percentage in 12 games. Maybe with his name in trade rumours and being on a rebuilding team for so long, he's got something to prove.
It would be incredibly difficult for the Oilers to fit in the contracts of Gibson, Savard, or both - but it could be possible with heavy salary retention and Evander Kane's return from injury.
The idea of adding a depth defenceman and an impact player elsewhere in the lineup is gaining more appeal than just one star defender, though.
However, the Oilers are a matured team that's primed for another run to the Stanley Cup Final, and probably many more with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
If the Oilers can make these correct impactful additions via trade, they can be the pieces that put them over the top for their first Cup win.
