For years, the Oilers have sought a long-term solution for their blue line, and the organization may turn to the trade market to address that need.
Edmonton is weighing the possibility of trading the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft if they can find the right fit in return for a defenseman. General manager Peter Chiarelli, in Dallas for the 2018 NHL Draft, confirmed to reporters he's had discussions over moving that pick, while no deal has yet to be struck. Chiarelli went on to say he's in no way tied to acquiring a right-shot defenseman, and would also be open to trading for a forward.
It comes on the heels of Oilers re-signing defenseman Matt Benning to a two-year deal.
TSN's Bob McKenzie first reported the idea that Edmonton could be in the market to move the pick for a defenseman before Chiarelli later confirmed.
“No question about it," McKenzie said. "The problem they are running into is that as much as they’d be prepared for the right player to give up the 10th overall pick in the draft, they don’t see that player out there right now. Yeah, they’d like a right shot offensive defenceman."
McKeznie noted that an offensive defenseman is the team’s main priority and the 10th pick may used as bait for the right player or other assets. In addition to re-signing Benning, whose entry-level contract just ended, the Oilers also face a negotiation with Darnell Nurse, who likewise is facing restricted free agency.
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One player that remains on the Oilers’ radar is Ryan Ellis -- according to McKenzie -- but Nashville has reportedly made re-signing him a top priotiy. Ellis has one year left on his contract so if extension talks fall through, Edmonton could pursue a trade at a later time.
Edmonton has reportedly inquired on Senators’ defenseman Erik Karlsson, but it was also reported Edmonton is one of the clubs on Karlsson's modified 10-team no-trade list. Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion has said he intends on opening extension talks with Karlsson when free agency starts on July 1.
The search for defensive stability led the Oilers to trade Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall in June 2016 for Adam Larrson. Though Edmonton qualified for the postseason in the first year after the trade, the Oilers missed the playoffs in 2018, while Hall went on to be named MVP and the Devils reached the playoffs.