Elliotte Friedman reveals what Oilers are looking for, names two top targets

The Edmonton Oilers know exactly what's missing from their lineup, and it isn't a secret anymore.

On Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman said Edmonton is searching for a right shot centre to create better left/right balance in its group.

Friedman touched on two names, and both make plenty of sense on paper.

Nothing sounds imminent, but the Oilers are clearly looking at their options.

Kirby Dach is a 6-foot-4 right shot centre with the Montreal Canadiens, and Friedman pointed to a previous connection with Oilers GM Stan Bowman.

Bowman was running the Chicago Blackhawks when they picked Dach third overall in 2019.

Friedman also noted that other teams have looked at Dach, so Edmonton wouldn't be alone in that race.

It's easy to see the appeal, since a big right shot centre would fit exactly what the Oilers say they need.

Dach re-signed with Montreal in July on a one-year, $3.6 million deal, which means he's headed for unrestricted free agency next summer.

His younger brother Colton is already on the Oilers roster too.

Shane Wright is the other name.

The Seattle Kraken centre also shoots right, and the fourth overall pick in 2022 has been all over trade chatter since his agent said in July that Seattle agreed to move him.

Friedman believes Edmonton has checked in, but he does not expect a deal to happen.

So for now, this looks more like homework than a done deal.

The Oilers are weighing their choices, and with the season around the corner, a right shot centre is clearly on the wish list.

Expect the chatter to keep building as teams finalize their rosters.

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