The Edmonton Oilers picked up one other win on Monday evening, placing them again into 1st within the Pacific Division and now third total within the NHL standings. They’re 22-6-1 within the final 29 video games and 27-10-2 since November 1st. Whereas that offers them a cushion to take their time, they’ve recognized potential wants simply over 5 weeks out of the 2024-25 NHL commerce deadline.
In accordance with Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic, the workforce’s greatest precedence is securing a dependable No. 4-5 defenseman to stabilize and add depth to their blue line. They may have already got that participant, seeing because the workforce is about to get John Klingberg, the Oilers’ latest addition, into the lineup subsequent week. What the Oilers resolve to do will hinge on his efficiency.
Following a double hip resurfacing process, there are questions on how efficient he’ll be. If he’s fast and productive, there is probably not a have to make a splash on the deadline. If he struggles, the Oilers will want an improve.
Does the Oilers’ Deadline Revolve Round Klingberg?
Klingberg’s potential return to type may considerably affect Edmonton’s commerce deadline technique. If he can regain his top-tier play from a number of years in the past, the Oilers will go for a depth defenseman and shift to their forwards. Nonetheless, if Klingberg struggles to satisfy expectations, normal supervisor Stan Bowman might really feel compelled to hunt out a top-four possibility.
As soon as that blue-line scenario is sorted, the Oilers may additionally profit from including a top-nine winger and a reliable No. 4 middle. They’ve been testing out Noah Philp, and he’s impressed. With Philp a go and Derek Ryan within the AHL for depth, the Oilers really feel assured they’ve stable choices. They’ll solely have to make a transfer if one thing wonderful turns into out there.
The highest-nine winger spot is a little bit of a thriller based mostly on the standing of Evander Kane. He was again on the ice and skating for the primary time since he was dominated out with an harm.
#Oilers Evander Kane posts he was again on the ice immediately skating for the primary time. pic.twitter.com/fOGrnNpLHo
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 27, 2025
The Oilers have demonstrated a robust dedication to profitable now, so it’s anticipated they are going to be lively on the deadline. However, they’re profitable and transferring up the standings. The plan must be to not tinker an excessive amount of with a great factor.
They’ll begin by evaluating Klingberg’s efficiency. If he makes an affect, it could shift what the workforce decides to do.
Subsequent: NHL Commerce Discuss Every day Information: Oilers & Canucks Gamers of the Day
