Oilers’ Trade Deadline Priority: Acquiring a Scoring Winger
The Edmonton Oilers have been enjoying a successful season, winning 19 of their last 22 games. They have a strong offensive lineup, with players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman leading the way. However, there is still one area that needs improvement – the top-six forward spot.
Corey Perry has recently stepped up and shown that he can fulfill this role. In a recent game against the Dallas Stars, Perry scored his second goal in as many games while playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. He crashed the net and benefited from the tremendous playmaking abilities of his linemates.
Perry’s success adds to the already impressive performances from Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod. These players, along with other potential fill-ins like Dylan Holloway, give the Oilers plenty of options for their top-six forward spot. However, despite having these options, the Oilers should not settle and should look to acquire a scoring winger before the trade deadline on March 8th.
The offensive depth of the Oilers is undoubtedly a strength of the team. McDavid and Draisaitl are two of the best players in the league, while Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins contribute consistently. Evander Kane also brings a unique mix of offensive touch and physicality to the lineup. With these players, the Oilers should be set from the first to the fifth forward position.
However, finding the right player to complement McDavid and Draisaitl becomes crucial when they play together at five-on-five. Foegele has had a fantastic season so far but tends to run cold in terms of production. He would be better suited for a third-line role on a Stanley Cup-contending team. Similarly, McLeod prefers playing as a center and does not have a spot on the top two lines. As for Perry, he was not initially signed to be a regular top-six winger. He was brought in for his playoff-style play and depth power-play contributions.
To fully utilize the talents of Foegele, McLeod, and Perry, the Oilers need to acquire a scoring winger who can play above them in the lineup. Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been linked to the Oilers, but there are complications due to his 12-team no-trade list. Despite their defensive struggles after the All-Star break, addressing the top-six forward spot should be the priority for Oilers management.
Improving the defensive positions, like adding a depth center and a top-four defenseman, would also be beneficial. However, finding a No. 4 center should not be difficult or costly, and the Oilers have options like Holloway or Derek Ryan to fill that spot if needed. The defensive group has shown promise, even though skepticism remains due to last year’s playoffs.
In terms of goaltending, the Oilers have been satisfied with Calvin Pickard’s performances, despite a recent subpar showing. Pickard has a .910 save percentage in 10 games and has been reliable. The Oilers also have Jack Campbell and Olivier Rodrigue in the minors, providing additional depth in goal.
Ultimately, the most essential move the Oilers can make before the trade deadline is to acquire another top-six forward. This would provide insurance against injuries and add depth to the lineup. It would also allow players like Foegele, McLeod, and Perry to be bottom-six options, ready to step up when needed. With the right additions, the Oilers have the potential to become a great team and a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.
(Photo of Corey Perry: Jeff Curry / USA Today)