The Edmonton Oilers are in want of a spark, significantly on offense, as a few of their prime gamers have struggled to carry out constantly this season. In line with TSN’s Darren Dreger, that’s going to have to come back from inside. Dreger additionally believes the Oilers are searching for assist defensively as a result of they aren’t certain they’ve the correct mix.
The Oilers’ current performances have been marked by inconsistent scoring, and with out prime gamers clicking offensively, the workforce has seemed weak towards harder opponents. With Connor McDavid getting injured, the necessity for the highest stars to step up simply bought extra crucial. However, the protection has been a difficulty from the beginning of the season, and with the losses of Cody Ceci, Philip Broberg, and Vincent Desharnais, the Oilers know they aren’t nearly as good defensively as they had been final season.
New Oilers common supervisor Stan Bowman is reportedly intensifying his seek for extra assistance on protection. Bowman is exploring the marketplace for a dependable blue-liner who may bolster Edmonton’s again finish, which has been a persistent space of concern.
Dreger defined:
“The phrase on the road is that [Bowman] is working extra aggressively looking for some assist. And different groups at the moment are as effectively, with accidents and due to different conditions. I don’t suppose there may be something magical coming from the Basic Supervisor’s workplace, however I do suppose the substances are there for this workforce to be significantly better than what we’ve seen right here.”
Dreger talked in regards to the current recreation towards the Columbus Blue Jackets and admitted which may not be the perfect indicator of how unhealthy the protection is. That recreation was possible a one-off, because the Oilers simply did not compete. Nonetheless, with restricted defensive depth impacting their capacity to guard leads, the Oilers are feeling the urgency to make a transfer and solidify their blue line.
How Quickly Earlier than Bowman and the Oilers Make a Commerce on Protection?
Because the Oilers look to rebound of their upcoming matchup towards the Nashville Predators, followers will probably be ready on information of McDavid’s standing. And, if it appears to be like like he’ll be out a couple of video games or longer, the priority over an absence of scoring will solely place a much bigger emphasis on a necessity for higher protection.
Is Bowman apprehensive about it? Dreger says the GM is ramping up his search, suggesting that the Oilers are conscious there could possibly be a critical subject.
Subsequent: Insider Reveals First Order of Enterprise for Oilers After McDavid Damage