NHL Rumors: Oilers Out On Ducks Defenceman

Though the price for Anaheim Ducks' defenceman John Klingberg isn't expected to be very high at the trade deadline, it appears as though the Oilers are out on him, per Elliotte Friedman. They have three competent right-shot defencemen and it would take a game-changer for them to consider altering that side of the ice this season.

What the Oilers still appear to be interested in is a left-shot defenceman. It's no guarantee they will be acquiring one, but they are keeping channels open incase rookies Philip Broberg, Vincent Desharnais, or both start to struggle. For now, they have been exactly what the Oilers have needed amidst their six-game win streak.

The Ducks will still be searching very hard for a trade partner as they essentially signed Klingberg to gain assets in return this season. There were some talks that the Ducks were considering extending Klingberg, but he has had an underwhelming season. His production is partially why his trade value has dipped.

The Oilers already have two productive offensively capable defenceman on the right side in Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard. The Oilers would be using their budget and be forced into moving 1-2 forwards due to cap reasons if they brought Klingberg on board for the rest of the season. Even at 50 percent retained, the Oilers would still be on the hook for $3.5 million for the remainder of the season without a third party.

Photo credit: © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports