Oilers exploring specific trade to add forward help amid mounting injuries, per Friedman
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The Oilers are exploring a lateral trade, per Elliotte Friedman, to swap a depth defenseman for a forward as injuries hit their lineup.
The Edmonton Oilers are quietly looking for help up front, and they're willing to pay with a defenseman.
Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday night on Sportsnet that the club has explored what he called a lateral trade, sending out one of their depth blueliners and getting a forward back.
"The Oilers have explored a 'lateral trade.'"
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
He shared it during the second intermission of the Oilers game against Seattle.
He added that Edmonton isn't in a rush, since he doesn't see the forward injuries as long term.
Still, a depth swap that makes sense could get a serious look.
Why the Oilers need forward help
The injury list is getting long. Zach Hyman is out about two weeks with an upper-body injury, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue, and Matt Savoie, Jason Dickinson and Mattias Janmark are sidelined too.
Hyman scored 31 goals last season, so that is not a gap Edmonton can fill with a call to the minors.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can only cover so much, and a team with Stanley Cup hopes can't wait around forever.
Which defensemen could be moved
Friedman did not name a player.
Edmonton carries eight healthy defensemen, and Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Ryan Shea, Connor Murphy and Jake Walman appear safe.
Mukhamadullin arrived from San Jose in the Darnell Nurse trade this summer, which makes him the least likely to go.
Stastney came over from Nashville last December for a third-round pick, and both he and Emberson were projected scratches against Seattle.
Whatever happens, this would be a small, simple move, not a blockbuster.
Both teams would be swapping depth, and neither is likely to win or lose big.
The Oilers just want a healthier look up front before the schedule gets heavier. Stay tuned.
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