Edmonton Oilers trade targets: A second pair right-handed defenceman

The Edmonton Oilers are headed for the NHL trade deadline with more than one need, and without the cap room or trade assets to make a loud noise acquisition. Same as it ever was. So, while fans discuss acquiring Colton Parayko or Robert Thomas (both players under big money contracts) from the St. Louis Blues, the goal for Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is to improve by working around the edges of the roster. What does that look like? If he’s looking for a defenceman, the goal should be a right-handed, second-pairing player who could be an instant plug-and-play with Darnell Nurse. Or is it? Chris Johnston at The Athletic published the top available trade pieces early in February, and that list has some attractive names on it. They include a plethora of right-handed defencemen: Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Zack Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, John Carlson of the Washington Capitals and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers. Hamilton and Carlson are attractive options, but they both own cap hits that make a deal difficult for Edmonton. The players in the rest of the group are more affordable, some under contract for next season and beyond. The Oilers have shown a preference for that kind of acquisition in the recent past. Here are the seven defenders who have played more than 200 minutes versus elites this season: Schneider has played a lot for the Rangers this season, but owns a 39 percent goal share (44 expected) overall at five-on-five. He has size (6-foot-3, 206 pounds), above-average speed and is on a reasonable contract ($2.2 million and an RFA this summer). At 24, he’s a good bet to have strong seasons as a shutdown type in the NHL. As a deadline addition for a team looking for that final piece? It’s a risky move. Carlson is a deluxe option for Edmonton, but the cap hit ($8 million) means the Oilers would be paying for retention and adding another outstanding puck mover. The asset cost on that trade would be through the roof, and the same goes for Hamilton (although he’s having a less impressive season). Faulk is more affordable ($6.5 million AAV) but has a year left on his deal, and the Oilers have three defencemen signed for $7 million or more next season. It’s probably a bridge too far to add Faulk. Whitecloud looks very good, and his cap hit ($2.275 million times two more years after this one) is brilliant. However, the Flames aren’t going to want to help the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, and Whitecloud should be a productive part of that team’s future. If Bowman casts a wider net, are there any compelling options among teams that are outside the playoffs and willing to sell? There’s one true “perfect fit” available for the Oilers. It’s Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators. His numbers versus elites are exceptional: 44 percent of his five-on-five minutes come against the league’s best, and he owns a 57 percent Dangerous Fenwick (similar to expected goals) and a 58 percent goal share. He can defend and move the puck, and has flourished in Ottawa despite below-average foot speed. His contract ($4.6 million with a year left after this one) is an easy one for the Oilers to digest compared to some of the names above. There’s no reasonable argument to suggest Zub would be made available, though. He’s a stalwart performer and a foundation piece in the nation’s capital. However, if Bowman ever got the chance to make that trade, the Oilers would be wise to move heaven and earth to get it done. Dylan DeMelo of the Winnipeg Jets has played 394 minutes versus elites this season, and is at 51 percent Dangerous Fenwick. Oilers fans know him for being a difficult opponent, and his passing ability is underrated. He’s older now (32), but his consistent excellence against elite competition over many years, via Puck IQ, suggests he should deliver if acquired. If the Oilers are unable to procure a right-handed defenceman for the second pairing, there are some roster options. Evan Bouchard has played with Nurse for 283 minutes over the last three seasons at five-on-five. The results (including all levels of opponents): 61 percent goal share, 4.24 goals per 60. The Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm pairing has played over 3,000 five-on-five minutes since 2023-24, with a 57 percent goal share and 3.31 goals per 60. No one should conclude the Oilers have had the wrong alignment during these seasons, but these three defenders are a cut above the rest of the Edmonton roster. Nurse and Ekholm have flourished in the last three seasons when paired together: 195 minutes, 56 percent goal share and 4.29 goals per 60. When Nurse plays away from Bouchard and Ekholm (3,451 minutes) over the last three seasons, Edmonton scores 47 percent of the five-on-five goals (2.21 goals per 60). When Bouchard plays away from both (695 minutes), it’s a 50/50 split in goals, and Edmonton posts 3.03 goals per 60. When Ekholm plays away from both, the goal share is 56 percent, and the team scores 3.43 goals per 60. What does this tell us? The Oilers may benefit from running with Nurse-Bouchard and finding a capable partner for Ekholm. That could come internally or from an outside deal. The fact that Nurse performs so well with the team’s best defencemen could mean that Bowman should spend his trade assets on a substantial right-handed defenceman at the deadline. The coaching staff can decide who that player should partner with over the rest of the season. Maybe the defence just needs a righty veteran who can play against elites capably. Bowman will need to choose well.