NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers Linked to 2 Trade Candidates in Insiders' Report

The Edmonton Oilers have been on a very nice run of late, once again resembling the Stanley Cup finalists they were last season. They're 11-2-0 in their last 13 games, and have vaulted up to 2nd place in the Pacific Division.

But there's that nagging thought that's hounded them all season that they'll need to improve the roster in their own zone to make another deep run in the playoffs. A capable defenseman and perhaps another viable goalie are the potential targets for them in the trade market.

Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic have laid out their top fits for the Oilers in those departments.

Goalie: John Gibson

Johnston feels that although Stuart Skinner has been breezing along of late, with an 11-4-1 mark through November and December with a .905 save percentage over that time (.914 in December), they'd be leaving themselves hung out to dry in the crease without a substantial backup plan should an emergency arise.

"They are a bottom-10 team in terms of save percentage and aren’t loaded with options beyond Skinner in the event they ever have to play an extended run without him," writes Johnston. "So while Gibson may not be a priority addition, he could be a sensible one."

Defense: David Savard

As a right-shot veteran defenseman who can help on the penalty kill and has a Stanley Cup pedigree (2021, Tampa Bay), Savard could be a cost-effective, under-the-radar add for the Oilers on the blueline, according to LeBrun.

He notes that since Edmonton doesn't have a first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 Draft, they might not have the resources to pick up one of the top defense names on the trade market. But Savard would be attainable, and is "a sensible idea for Edmonton."