Report: Oilers Shifting Focus in Trade Talks

The Edmonton Oilers, we've been hearing for some time now, are in the market for a defenseman. And it was always thought to be a top-four, right-shot shut-down blueliner.

But according to plugged-in Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, that focus may have shifted.

There has been a general assumption that the @EdmontonOilers will add a right-shot shutdown D at some point...
Still might.
But.
An argument can be made they would be better off getting another D (who can play the right side) who can transition the puck.
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) November 8, 2024

"There has been a general assumption that the Oilers will add a right-shot shutdown D at some point..." wrote Stauffer. "Still might. But.
An argument can be made they would be better off getting another D (who can play the right side) who can transition the puck."

Sure, he didn't say they are 100% in the market for a puck-moving D-man right now, but when Stauffer talks, Oilers fans usually listen. Where there's Stauffer smoke, there's often fire.

There might not be too many elite right-shot defensemen who can clear the zone efficiently on the trade market at the moment (and Edmonton wouldn't be the only team looking for such an asset), so the search may take some time.

We should know more, and hear some more names surfacing out there, as we get closer to the trade deadline, which is still just under four months away.

In the meantime, the Oilers continue to employ third-pairing types in their top four, with Troy Stecher getting the assignment alongside Darnell Nurse for Saturday night's game against the Vancouver Canucks, while Ty Emberson and Brett Kulak have seen time there as well.

The Oilers are currently 22nd in the NHL in goals surrendered per contest, but they're 4th in the league in shots allowed per game. Edmonton sits 5th in the Pacific Division at 6-7-1.