Western Conference champions each of the past two seasons, the Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of the franchise’s sixth title.
Despite their deep playoff runs, fans in Western Canada are growing uneasy about the team’s inability to put it all together. Star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have done all they can to will the Oilers to a championship, but it ultimately has not been enough.
Oilers Look To Solve Issues Ahead of Friday Trade Deadline
On Monday, the Oilers dealt a second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for right-handed defenseman Connor Murphy. As Murphy joins the club, Edmonton fans question whether or not the 6’4″Â defenseman solves the team’s recent issues.
Ex-NHL defenseman and Hall of Famer Chris Pronger took to X, where he asked hockey fans to submit him several questions while on a flight.
Yes I think he will help on the defensive side. He can help stop a cycle and kill plays. Needs a good puck moving defense partner.
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) March 4, 2026
Pronger took notice of this Oilers fan’s question and added a suggestion in his response.
“Yes I think he will help on the defensive side,” said Pronger. “He can help stop a cycle and kill plays. Needs a good puck-moving defense partner.”
Currently, Murphy likely slots in on the right side of the second or third pairing, alongside Mattias Ekholm or Darnell Nurse, respectively. Despite Ekholm’s pace to put up a career-high in points, the Swedish native is known to be a defensive-minded blueliner.
Due to unpredictability in Edmonton’s defense and goaltending, another fan asks Pronger, “Is the Oilers’ problem the goalie, the defense, or the systems of play?”
A combination of all three IMO. Goalies need to be better. Defense need to be more aggressive and harder in front of the goalie. fwd and d need to work better together and be more committed to their structure and DZ. Too loose and cheating. Need buyin from everyone!
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) March 4, 2026
“A combination of all three, in my opinion,” said Pronger. “Goalies need to be better. Defense need to be more aggressive and harder in front of the goalie. Forward and D need to work better together and be more committed to their structure and DZ. Too loose and cheating. Need buy-in from everyone!”
The Oilers are by no means a shoo-in for the playoffs this season as they currently hold the third spot in the Pacific Division. Edmonton’s 68 points may be vulnerable as Seattle, San Jose, and Los Angeles are all within striking distance.
Although Edmonton acquired Murphy, general manager Stan Bowman is likely to continue making deals ahead of Friday’s 3 p.m. EST deadline. Ninth-year veteran Andrew Mangiapane is a name circulating in the rumor mill due to his lack of productivity in 2025-26.
With just 14 points in 52 games, the 5’10” forward has disappointed thus far. Mangiapane was waived by Edmonton on Sunday, which may make it easier for him to be dealt, according to “The Sporting News'” Billy Heyen.
“An acquiring team can now send Mangiapane straight to the AHL themselves,” Heyen wrote in regards to a team potentially trading for the longtime Calgary Flame.
Can Edmonton brass make the right moves to finally push the Oilers over the finish line and achieve hockey’s ultimate prize for the first time since 1990?
