Oilers’ “See What You Got” Move Ahead of Trade Deadline?

The Edmonton Oilers are currently grappling with a significant decision regarding how to enhance their defensive lineup. This involves upgrading their top-four defensemen while also contemplating the addition of a depth forward as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Complicating matters, the team faces uncertainty regarding the health of one of their top-six wingers, Evander Kane, who has recently undergone a second surgery and experienced a setback in his recovery process. With questions surrounding Kane’s return timeline, the Oilers may need to act swiftly to acquire a top-four defenseman or seek forward depth, potentially leading to unexpected roster moves in the near future.

Anticipating the Trade Landscape: Why Oilers May Delay Moves

Bob Stauffer indicated on his Oilers Now show back in November that a trade might be on the horizon, although it has yet to materialize. He expressed confidence, suggesting, “I think it’s inevitable the Oilers trade for a right-hand shooting defenseman. I think that’s coming, I think we all know that’s coming.” This statement implies that the Oilers are struggling to find a solution internally, with a focus shifting towards acquiring a forward instead. The challenge lies in the fact that the Oilers may need to sacrifice future assets, primarily picks, to facilitate any trade agreements.

Given the situation with Jeff Skinner—if he doesn’t waive his no-move clause—and the uncertainty surrounding Kane’s status for the regular season, the Oilers are left questioning how to create the necessary space for new additions. The organization lacks a first-round draft pick, which further complicates their ability to offer enticing trade packages. Additionally, the Oilers are not in a position to part with valuable prospects, limiting their options for securing a player who could make an immediate impact on the roster.

In light of these challenges, the Oilers may need to evaluate one of their prospects to determine if they can step up and fill a much-needed role on the team.

Exploring the Potential of Noah Philp: Can He Fill a Gap on the Oilers Roster?

During a recent discussion on the Got Yer’ Back podcast, Rob Brown emphasized that the Oilers might lack the necessary assets to outbid rival teams at the trade deadline. He suggested that Ken Holland would need to adopt a creative approach, particularly if the team were to trade away their first-round pick for the upcoming year, which would leave them without a first-round selection for the subsequent two seasons. This situation raises the question of whether the Oilers can effectively navigate the trade market without compromising their future potential.

When the topic of testing out players like Matt Savoie or Noah Philp came up, Brown indicated that Philp might be the preferred option due to his capability to assume a fourth-line center role. If a player like Derek Ryan were to be traded or demoted, Philp could seamlessly step into that position, providing valuable depth to the lineup.

Noah Philp playing well for the Edmonton Oilers in preseason — Is Noah Philp a viable option for the Oilers ahead of the trade deadline?

Analyst Ryan Rishaug noted that if the Oilers were to give Philp an opportunity to showcase his skills in the 15 games leading up to the trade deadline, it could provide valuable insights into his capabilities. He highlighted the balance between financial considerations and the need to evaluate potential in-house options. With the uncertainty surrounding both Skinner and Kane, the Oilers may find themselves in a position where promoting someone from within could address pressing concerns without necessitating a deadline acquisition.

Could Philp be the answer to the Oilers’ challenges? There’s a possibility he might be.

Next: Staios Vows to Help Senators at Trade Deadline If Possible