The Edmonton Oilers are in a difficult spot, and the pressure on them is more than on other NHL teams. In particular, this is an important phase of the season with the trade deadline close and expectations still high. The team is in a playoff position, but gaps in the lineup have limited their progress.
The team has made it to the Stanley Cup finals twice but failed both times. Now, the management has to decide how to support a roster built to compete right away.
Oilers Are Facing Difficulty in Landing Justin Faulk
Edmonton’s season has been driven by high-end offense, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to produce as elite players. The team ranks near the top of the league in goals scored, but defensive issues have created problems.
The Oilers have shown they can dominate games, such as their 8-1 win over Los Angeles, but they have also allowed games to slip away. Their 5-4 loss to San Jose is one example where defensive play and goaltending became a concern. Their 6-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks followed the same trend.
With the March 6Â deadline approaching, the front office has been looking at ways to address those areas without disrupting the core of the roster.
During a segment on NHLonTNT, insider Elliotte Friedman spoke with Liam McHugh about Edmonton’s plans. Friedman said, “At the risk of things change quick this year, I looked into that yesterday. Were the Oilers in the goalie market? And I heard from a couple places the answer was no. That they’ve made their bet in that and they’re gonna live with that.”
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Friedman added that Edmonton is looking at other needs. He said, “I heard yesterday from some teams that the two things the Oilers were looking at were a defenseman who can play the right side, whether it’s a righty shot or a lefty who’s played the right side, or a third line center, particularly if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is gonna be on the wing.” This direction aligns with the team’s need for depth and balance as they push toward the playoffs.
One player who has been linked to Edmonton is Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues. Faulk has recorded 32 points in 60 games this season and continues to log heavy minutes. His ability to play on the right side makes him a strong fit for Edmonton’s needs.
However, his $45,500,000 contract, which carries a $6.5 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season, presents a major challenge.
Friedman addressed that situation directly, saying, “I just heard unless St. Louis is willing to retain, it’s extremely difficult for them to do Faulk.” That cap hit makes it hard for the Oilers to complete a deal without moving salary out.
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The team has already faced challenges trying to create space, which limits their options as the deadline gets closer.
For Edmonton, the decision now comes down to whether they can make a move that improves their roster while staying within cap limits.
