The Edmonton Oilers sent a strong message Thursday night with an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, climbing back into second place in the Pacific Division. After a brief stumble, Edmonton suddenly looks steady again and dangerous.
But with the March 6 trade deadline fast approaching, the focus has quickly shifted from celebration to roster construction.
Defensive Priority Comes Into Focus for the Oilers
For weeks, speculation suggested the Oilers were hunting for a scoring winger with size. That thinking appears to have changed.
Defensive forward Mattias Janmark is expected to miss significant time due to a chronic injury that requires rest, according to the team. A move to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) seems likely. Meanwhile, defensive concerns haven’t fully disappeared, even with Paul Coffey back helping guide the blue line.
So, Edmonton’s top priority is now clear: a second-pairing right-shot defenseman.
Speaking on The Sheet podcast, Oilers insider Jason Gregor identified a “definite option” in the team’s pursuit. “I think Edmonton’s number one need right now is a second pair right shot defenseman. Like Jake Wman can play as offside. I think their team’s better if he’s playing left side… Connor Murphy in Chicago is a definite option.”
Murphy logs heavy penalty-kill minutes in Chicago and plays a key role on one of the league’s top PK units. That detail matters. Edmonton’s penalty kill has been inconsistent as they are 24th in the league, and adding a reliable, defensively responsible right-shot blueliner would address multiple needs at once.
There’s also familiarity. During his time as general manager in Chicago, Stan Bowman worked closely with Murphy. That connection could simplify conversations if trade talks heat up.
Gregor suggested Murphy checks several boxes: right-handed shot, second-pair capability, and special-teams value, all without the blockbuster price tag of some bigger names.
Gregor also floated other possibilities. St. Louis’ Colton Parayko was mentioned as an ideal fit talent-wise, though cap constraints could make such a move unrealistic for Edmonton.
Additional right-shot options include Calgary’s Zach Whitecloud and New Jersey’s Jonathan Kovacevic, both of whom could provide stability without dramatically reshaping the roster. The key for Edmonton isn’t just adding talent; it’s finding the right financial and structural fit.
The Oilers have momentum again, but the Western Conference race leaves little margin for error. Strengthening the blue line could be the difference between a deep playoff run and another frustrating exit.
For now, Edmonton turns its attention to Saturday’s matchup against the San Jose Sharks, looking to build on its dominant win.
