Sources have recently mentioned that besides needing another forward for the lower part of their lineup at the trade deadline, the Oilers also could use more toughness and physical play.
Last season, Corey Perry and Evander Kane brought aggression and size to the team, which created trouble for other teams and helped with scoring too.
Oilers’ general manager knows what his team needs after bringing in Henrique and Frederic, hoping they would fill the roles that Perry and Kane had. Unfortunately, they haven’t been successful so far.
So, who is out there that could really help the Oilers, who are looking for more scoring options and some toughness?
One player that has been connected to Edmonton recently is Alex Tuch. He has proven he can score, with 430 points in 592 games with Vegas and Buffalo. This season, he has tallied 22 goals and 48 points in 56 games. He also brings size and strength, and he is capable of playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.
Another forward who fits what the Oilers need is Blake Coleman from Calgary. While he might not score as much as Tuch, this two-time Stanley Cup winner does a great job with tracking the puck and putting pressure on the opponent while forechecking.
Blake plays a straightforward, yet physical game along the boards, bringing competitiveness and a quick pace to match Edmonton’s style. Lastly, Jake DeBrusk is expected to be traded by a Vancouver Canucks team that is rebuilding.
DeBrusk is an excellent playmaker; on a skillful team, his speed and ability to score close to the net would really help the Oilers, especially in tight playoff games.
Edmonton’s lower lineup will gain from Jake’s skill in playing well within the team structure and away from the puck. He has strong positional awareness.
At 29 years old and from Edmonton, his talent would also add some grit and toughness to the Oilers.
This is exactly what Edmonton is looking for in their bottom-six, and it aligns with the kind of play that helped them reach the Finals two years in a row.
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