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NHL trade rumors: Top insider reports Edmonton Oilers looking 'more aggressively' for defensive additions
TSN insider Darren Dreger gave updates on "The Nielson Show" about Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman's search for a new defenseman. Dreger noted that the Oilers are struggling defensively and not playing well.
Initially, Bowman was hesitant to make moves, hoping his top players would improve. However, he's now actively looking for help, especially as other teams are facing injuries. Dreger said:
"Defensively, I think that’s going to be an area of concern probably for a good chunk of the year... the word on the street is he is working more aggressively to try and find some help, right? And other teams now are as well, with injuries and other situations."
The Oilers have two strong defensemen: Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm. Their third pairing, Brett Kulak and Ty Emberson, has performed well. However, Darnell Nurse has been struggling and making mistakes like in last year's playoffs. Troy Stecher has done decently alongside Nurse, but Travis Dermott hasn't contributed much.
The Oilers are 4-5-1 after 10 games. They are sixth in the Pacific Division, above the San Jose Sharks, who have won only two games. Vegas, LA Kings and Vancouver are leading the Division with seven, five and four wins respectively. The Oilers have failed to win against Winnipeg Jets (6-0), Calgary Flames (4-1), Dallas Stars (4-1) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (6-1).
The Edmonton Oilers lack speed and aggressiveness, raising questions about finding a defenseman who could help Nurse. Acquiring such a player could be costly and complicate trade talks. So, the Oilers need to manage their situation well and turn things around this season.
Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid got injured against the Columbus Blue Jackets
Connor McDavid was injured in the 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He left after just 37 seconds when he was tripped by Zach Werenski while trying to enter the offensive zone, crashing awkwardly into the boards.
Werenski said that the trip was unintentional and regretted McDavid's injury.
"There was nothing intentional at all. It's a nonissue," Werenski said (via NHL.com on Tuesday). "I was just reaching for the puck and might have nicked him.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch announced that McDavid would return to Edmonton for evaluation.
The Edmonton Oilers face two road games against the Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames. The team knows it will be tough without McDavid, who is tied with Leon Draisaitl for the most points (10) on the team. Knoblauch urged other players to step up in McDavid’s absence.
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