The Edmonton Oilers have been at the center of the hockey world’s attention recently, with a flurry of rumors swirling around the team. Ever since the offer sheets were handed out last week, and even going back to the end of the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers have been making headlines. The offer sheets resulted in some significant moves that have left a gap in the Oilers’ defense, prompting the need for a veteran presence to shore up the blueline.
General manager Stan Bowman is taking a cautious approach to these rumors, carefully considering the team’s situation and cap space before making any decisions. “I will do my due diligence and understand the timing of assessing where the Oilers are at and how much they can spend in terms of cap space,” Bowman said. “We need to fill this gap in the blueline, but we have to be smart about it.”
The recent activity on the Oilers’ backend has fueled the rumors, with Philip Broberg receiving an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues that went unmatched, resulting in his departure. The team also made moves to trade Cody Ceci and acquire Ty Emberson from the San Jose Sharks. Vincent Desharnais walked in free agency, further depleting the defense. With three of the Oilers’ top defensemen from last season no longer with the team, there is a pressing need to find a reliable blueliner to fill the void.
The challenge for the Oilers is to find a defenseman who can step in and play in the top-four if needed. Names like Schultz, Barrie, and Shattenkirk have been rumored to be on the team’s radar. Each player brings a different skill set to the table, but questions remain about their recent performances and whether they can still be effective in a top-four role.
Coach Kris Knoblauch’s blueline is in need of a veteran presence to stay competitive in the upcoming season. The Oilers have high expectations and need to act quickly to address their defensive deficiencies. Will one of the rumored players be the answer, or will the team look elsewhere for a solution? The clock is ticking for the Oilers to make a decision and improve their defense for the 2024-25 season.
