Insight on Oilers’ Potential Trade Deadline Moves
The Edmonton Oilers may not be making any major moves at the trade deadline this year, according to general manager Ken Holland. After acquiring Troy Stecher from the Arizona Coyotes, Holland hinted that the team’s shopping might be done. The fact that Holland spoke to the media before their game in Columbus instead of spending the day finalizing trades in Ohio suggests that the Oilers are not looking to make any significant additions.
One of the main factors that might prevent the Oilers from making another move is their cap space. With just over $1 million available, it would be difficult for them to bring in a player who exceeds their cap limit, unless they include someone in the trade. This limitation, combined with their current roster situation, makes it unlikely that the Oilers will make any big moves.
Despite the lack of major additions, the Oilers have made some upgrades to their lineup. They recently added Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick, and Troy Stecher, all of whom bring valuable skills to the team. Henrique is a versatile forward who can play in the middle-six, Carrick adds depth to the fourth line, and Stecher addresses a need for a right-handed defenseman.
However, while these additions are positive for the Oilers, other Western Conference teams have also made significant moves. The Winnipeg Jets acquired Sean Monahan, the Dallas Stars brought in Chris Tanev, and the Vancouver Canucks added Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights have also made notable acquisitions. This means that the competition in the West will be tough, and the Oilers will need to play at a high level and have good depth to come out on top.
Holland remains optimistic about his team’s chances, pointing to their impressive record since Kris Knoblauch took over as coach. The Oilers have posted a .755 points percentage since November 12, the best in the NHL during that time. While Stecher may not be on the same level as Tanev or Walker, Holland believes that the Oilers’ current defensive group is capable of performing well in the playoffs.
In terms of their forward group, the Oilers have prioritized lineup flexibility over adding a high-scoring winger. They believe that chemistry is crucial, and the current group has a good dynamic. The additions of Henrique and Carrick are expected to provide secondary scoring without disrupting the team’s chemistry.
Overall, Holland is satisfied with the team as it is currently constructed. He believes that Henrique and Carrick will fit in well both on and off the ice. While the Oilers may not have made any headline-grabbing moves at the trade deadline, they have added depth and addressed some areas of need. Now, it’s up to the team to prove themselves in the highly competitive Western Conference.
In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers have opted for a quiet trade deadline day, with their recent acquisitions likely to be their final moves. While other Western Conference teams have made significant additions, Holland believes in the Oilers’ current roster and their ability to compete at a high level. The team’s chemistry and depth will be crucial factors as they aim to make a deep playoff run.