The Edmonton Oilers are currently in a wild card spot for the playoffs. They are looking for playoff success and a shiny cup. With the trade deadline drawing near, Edmonton has to consider what will push them further into the playoffs. To avoid the disappointment of past playoff bids, Edmonton needs to find the right pieces at the deadline to boost their chances of success. General Manager Ken Holland has mentioned previously they are unwilling to give up major assets for any rentals. The Oilers have already shown long-term thinking by moving Alex Stalock to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations. Here are three current players Edmonton needs to consider.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 30-21-4
Division Standings: Third in the Pacific
Buyers or Sellers: Buyers
Nick Leddy
Leddy’s contract will be expiring after this season, so it makes sense the Detroit Red Wings would move him and try to get something in return. He is a veteran defenseman who’s a shutdown player with the ability to move the puck. Leddy could boost the penalty kill for the Oilers, and he does have playoff experience.
He has not had a great season with Detroit, only getting one goal and 11 assists in 49 games. However, putting him on a playoff-bound team could be exactly what he needs to arise out of whatever funk he might be in. It might also help that he is familiar with Duncan Keith from their time together with the Chicago Blackhawks. Edmonton needs stability on the defensive side, and getting Leddy would be the place to start.
Alex DeBrincat
DeBrincat has one year remaining on his contract with the Blackhawks. He is a talented forward who will get better as each season passes. Edmonton has quite a few talented forwards, but DeBrincat is still better than most of them. He has 29 goals and 16 assists in 54 games this season, partly due to his deceptive shots and quick releases.
He has been outstanding for Chicago on the power play, so it is not difficult to imagine him on a power play with Connor McDavid. With McDavid and Leon Draisaitl anchoring the top two lines, DeBrincat would be a great fit on one of those lines. DeBrincat comes with a cap of $6.4 million, which some might consider a steal for how good of a player he is. It comes down to want Chicago wants for him and if Edmonton is willing to pay it.
Alexandar Georgiev
Edmonton needs stability in net. The question remains if they will stay with what they have or go and find a goalie to give them a chance in the playoffs. It’s no secret that Georgiev wants to be a starter, but that will not happen with the New York Rangers. There is no guarantee that the Rangers would trade a reliable backup when the playoffs are so close.
This season’s stats might not be inspiring, with a goals against average of 3.05 and a .897 save percentage. However, bear in mind Igor Shesterkin is getting more games, so Georgiev is a little bit rusty. He tends to play better when he knows he’s the main netminder. It was evident when he had to be the starter when Shesterkin was injured earlier this season. If Edmonton is looking for a dependable netminder, Georgiev would be a good choice.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Liz Pendergraft on Twitter @lizzibear824
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
