Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Capitals Defenseman On Team's Radar

The Edmonton Oilers are looking for another offensive defenseman before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline passes. Although Erik Karlsson is reportedly their big target, they also have Washington Capitals defenseman Erik Gustafsson on their radar as a backup plan.

Although it has been a bad year for the Capitals, Gustafsson has been a pleasant surprise for them. In 59 games this campaign, the 30-year-old has seven goals, 35 points, and a plus-8 rating. Overall, that is excellent production from the point. It also does not hurt that he only carries an $800,000 cap hit for the remainder of the year.

With the Capitals trading Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins, they made it abundantly clear that they are sellers. Thus, do not be surprised to see Gustafsson on the move by the deadline because of it. Other teams besides the Oilers who could enter the sweepstakes include the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes.