Oilers Rumors: Team Looking At More Than Goaltending On Blue Jackets

The Edmonton Oilers appear to be closing in on a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. They've had three scouts at Blue Jackets games for three consecutive games, meaning there is more than one specific player they are looking at.

Since the Oilers are in desperate need of a goalie to play alongside Stuart Skinner, the initial thoughts were that Spencer Martin was the target since he is a cheap option and also wouldn't cost a lot to acquire. He only started one of the three games the Oilers scouts were at, meaning either the Oilers are looking in depth at Elvis Merzlikins, or there's forwards or defensemen that are also catching their eye.

The Blue Jackets are very deep at both positions and have players sitting out that could be in other teams' lineups. With how the Oilers are known for having a weaker defensive group, especially on the right side, it begs the question if the team is really interested in one of the many right-shot defenders on Columbus to help fill a need. The options that would be the most likely to move are Andrew Peeke, Adam Boqvist, and Erik Gudbranson. Each brings a different element to a team, but each provides a reason why the Oilers should also maybe stay away.

So what about forwards? There are a lot of options that have been rumored to be on the move including Jack Roslovic and Alexandre Texier. On a team at the bottom of the standings, the Blue Jackets do have a good amount of trade pieces they could sell off and make room for the future. Considering Roslovic is likely out until at least Christmas this season, I'd take him off the potential trade targets for the Oilers. This leaves the most intriguing, Texier. He came back this season after a year off and can still produce at a good rate for a bottom-six winger. He's also on a cheap contract and is under team contract. If there's a forward that the Oilers were going to include in a deal, he would be it. A trade seems to not be far off between these two clubs.