The Edmonton Oilers have been looking to add to their blue line all offseason, and they got a freebie last week when they were able to sign unrestricted free agent John Klingberg on the cheap without giving up an asset.
But they’re not done, reportedly intending to add another D-man by the trade deadline. However, according to Pierre LeBron on TSN’s Insider Trading, it won’t be a big flashy name…nothing “sexy.”
There’s a chance they’ll add another piece to their blue line, but I don’t think it’ll be very sexy… Right now, I think they like their seven boys, but maybe (want to add ) a little more depth.
They want another long playoff run, and another body on the back end, someone else in a shutdown role, that’s what they need between now and March 7. Looking between
Klingberg has yet to join the Oilers lineup, but is expected to be paired with Darnell Nurse, with Troy Stecher, Brett Kulik and Ty Emberson competing for the other two spots. With Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard forming the top pairing, that’s the seven the Oilers are working with at the deadline.
But a shutdown-type guy, as LeBron notes, and preferably a right shot, will be something they’ll continue to look for.
The Oilers are currently in second place in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
Photo: © Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
