NHL Rumors: 3 Big-Name Defensemen Linked to Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are going to make a trade before the March 3 deadline as general manager Ken Holland is trying to address his team's need for a defenseman. The Oilers have Evander Kane on LTIR who is providing some salary cap relief at the moment, but once he returns in the coming months, some moves will need to transpire to get everything to fit under the cap.

With that said, look for the Oilers to get creative as they try to land a blueliner to bolster their d-core. Three players who have been linked to Edmonton include:

John Klingberg, Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are moving Klingberg before the deadline as the one-year $7 million contract he signed last offseason, always came with the unwritten agreement he'd likely be moved by the rebuilding franchise. The Ducks are among the league's worst and look for them to ask Edmonton for a draft pick and a top prospect in return. A player like Jesse Puljujarvi could also be included which would help balance out the books.

Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks

This trade is tougher to make because of the fact Karlsson makes over $11 million against the cap, has a no-movement clause and is signed for four more seasons. Karlsson is enjoying a bounce-back season and has put up some unreal numbers to date. The mobile defenseman has recorded 37 points in 30 games and would give the Oilers another weapon at their disposal. The package wouldn't have to be huge as there's a big ask taking on the rest of that contract, even at 50% retained by San Jose. Something GM Mike Grier would be willing to do for the right price.

Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes

This trade would be the biggest package of the three as Chychrun is still young, signed to a great contract and comes with loads of potential. He's returned from injury for the Coyotes and has been playing great, something 'Yotes management love to see as they work through trade offers. The team is asking for at least one first-round pick, one recent top draft pick and another young piece that has serious potential. A steep asking price, we'll see if Holland and company get off their wallets.