The Edmonton Oilers have made a few important changes before the NHL trade deadline. The team focused on improving depth and strengthening key areas of the roster. These moves could also help balance ice time for the top players as the season moves toward the playoffs.
Captain Connor McDavid addressed the additions and explained how the new players may fit into the team’s plans.
Connor McDavid Reacts to the Oilers Acquiring Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach
McDavid shared his thoughts after the Oilers completed two trades with the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline. Edmonton added Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Colton Dach in an effort to strengthen the lineup for the final part of the season.
The first trade came on Monday when Edmonton acquired Murphy from Chicago in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. The Blackhawks retained 50 percent of Murphy’s salary in the deal. Murphy is a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman who adds size and a physical presence to the Oilers’ blue line.
Another move followed on Wednesday when the Oilers acquired Dickinson and Dach from Chicago. In that deal, Edmonton sent Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to the Blackhawks. Chicago also retained 50 percent of Dickinson’s salary.
NHL analyst Jason Gregor said Dickinson will reduce tough matchups for McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in games. Dickinson handles top-line minutes, allowing Edmonton’s stars to face weaker third or fourth lines more often, which would be advantageous for the team.
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McDavid said he has faced Dickinson many times and understands how difficult he can be to play against. “It’ll be great. Definitely a guy I’ve played a lot against over the years. A guy that’s always tough to play against. Defends well, he’s a big body that skates well. He’ll help a lot.”
He also described what makes Dickinson challenging when he is on the ice. “As I said, he skates well and he’s rangy and he’s kind of just always there. That’s obviously annoying to play against.”
McDavid also spoke about the overall approach taken by the Oilers before the deadline. He said the new players bring qualities that can help the team as the season moves forward.
“Yeah, I’m very happy with the moves. I think all the guys we brought in, all three of them from Chicago there, are good adds. Obviously Murphy with his size and defends hard. Same with Dickinson and Dach, obviously, a young guy that plays physical, plays with an edge, and is still trying to find his way in this league. He’s got lots of potential. I like all three.”
At the same time, McDavid acknowledged that trades affect players leaving the team as well. The deal with Chicago sent Mangiapane to the Blackhawks, which brought mixed feelings inside the dressing room.
“It’s always the flip side of it, the human side of it. Understanding that it’s a nervous time for a lot of guys. It’s great to see guys come in. It’s sad to see Mangiapane [Andrew] go, but there’s the human side of it both ways. It’s a big change for all three guys, moving families and stuff like that.”
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Oilers general manager Stan Bowman also suggested the team may not make further additions before the deadline because of limited salary cap space.
“Well, that’s what we’re going to spend the next 24 hours talking through. I would imagine that we’re done, but I don’t expect to make other moves,” Bowman said. “But most likely, I would say this is our team.”
