NHL Rumors: Panthers' Defenceman Linked To Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers will continue to have their name in the hat of many defencemen around the league seeing as they are in need of an upgrade. They have five consistent NHL defenders, but have rotated through Philip Broberg, Markus Niemelainen, and Ryan Murray this season as the sixth and seventh defence.

The Florida Panthers are in the market to make a trade to free up cap space before Anthony Duclair's return as well as look into making some deals before the trade deadline since they have had a rough season.

Radko Gudas has been linked to Edmonton seeing as he is a very physical defenceman focused purely on the defensive side of the puck. He would bring the physicality and toughness the Oilers have not only needed on their defence, but in their entire lineup right now.

Gudas has a cap hit of $2.5 million and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The Oilers would be able to get the Panthers to retain a bit if the deal were to happen closer to the trade deadline and he would be able to seamlessly fit in on the third pair in Edmonton, likely alongside Evan Bouchard.

The big Panthers' defender has two goals and six points on the season, but also has 45 penalty minutes, 107 hits, and 46 blocked shots in 28 games. He is exactly what the Oilers are in need of and they would be able to get him for something less than a first round pick.