Rumor: Trade Talks Continue for the Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are dealing with some serious injuries to their defense and their internal options are becoming awfully thin on talent. The Oilers have been active in trade discussions throughout the beginning of the season and it's expected the team could be making a move in the coming weeks.

The latest defenseman to go down was Duncan Keith, who apparently suffered an upper-body injury during the second period of Tuesday's contest with the Dallas Stars. At this point the club isn't quite sure how long Keith will be out for. The team is already without Darnell Nurse and Slater Koekkoek, who aren't expected back any time soon.

While it appears there search for goaltending help is over now that Stuart Skinner has arrived on the scene and Mikko Koskinen continues to overachieve, the Oilers who were reportedly open to moving their first-round pick, could turn around and deal the pick for some help on their back-end. This would allow general manager Ken Holland to scoop up a younger defenseman with term and not just a rental.

While it may not involve a first-round pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs have Travis Dermott who is available and is someone who could fit for the Oilers. He's signed for next season at a respectable $1.5 million and the Oilers know him very well from playing in the North division last season.

Keep an eye on the Oilers, they are becoming Stanley Cup contenders all while dealing with some serious injuries on defense and a general manager who is chomping at the bit to make some upgrades.