The Edmonton Oilers are keeping an eye on the trade market, specifically for a defenceman to add to their roster by the March 7 trade deadline.
With some salary cap space to play with, any major addition to the blueline would have to result in some cap juggling and the possibility of a current roster player being sent the other way.
As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on “The Powerplay” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio on Thursday, the Oilers are scouring the market but may not make a move for a defenceman until closer to the deadline to maximize their cap space.
The Oilers would ideally like to add a right-shot rearguard, but are open to adding a lefty, if the right deal presents itself.
With the uncertainty surrounding Evander Kane’s status – he remains on LTIR after undergoing surgery in September – the Oilers are uncertain, to date, if they will have extra cap space to play with should Kane be deemed unable to play for the balance of the regular-season. It was initially thought he would be able to come back at some point in early-2025.
Should Kane be unfit to play until the post-season, the Oilers could then exceed the cap by $5.25 million in LTIR overage space.
Several defencemen remain linked to the Oilers, including Montreal Canadiens rearguard David Savard, Anaheim Ducks blueliner Brian Dumoulin, and Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Ivan Provorov –Savard is a right-handed shot, while Provorov plays both sides.