The Edmonton Oilers are entering an important offseason. After losing in the first round to the Anaheim Ducks, it is clear that they should be looking to make multiple upgrades to their roster. They have been trending in the wrong direction, and that needs to change while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are both in their primes.
One specific area that the Oilers should look to address during the offseason is the right side of their blueline. Bringing in another top-four defenseman would be significant for the Oilers as they look to keep their Stanley Cup window open.
Because of this, the Oilers are now being viewed as a potential landing spot for one of the NHL’s top unrestricted free agent (UFA) blueliners if he hits the market.
Oilers Named Potential Landing Spot for Ducks Defenseman John Carlson In Free Agency
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Lucky Ngamwajasat looked at five potential free-agent destinations for Ducks defenseman John Carlson. This came after the Ducks were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs.
The Oilers were among the teams that Ngamwajasat listed as a potential landing spot for Carlson if he hits the market on July 1.
“Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is under pressure to make sure he delivers a winner and improving the defensive pairings will be one of his main objectives this offseason. With Connor McDavid edging closer to free agency, Bowman could do worse than proving to his generational superstar that he means business by signing Carlson,” Ngamwajasat wrote.
With the Oilers needing help on their blueline and Carlson being one of the best defensemen who can hit the market this summer, it would make sense if they kicked tires on him. He would be a strong fit on their second pairing if signed and would give them a star defenseman who has won the Stanley Cup in the past.
Carlson impressed yet again this season, too, as he recorded 14 goals, 46 assists, and 60 points in 71 games split between the Washington Capitals and the Ducks. With numbers like these, he would give the Oilers another blueliner who can provide strong offense from the point. This would not be a bad thing at all for an Oilers club that needs more secondary production.
Oilers Entering the Summer With Plenty of Roster Needs to Address
While one of the Oilers’ top goals this offseason should be to bring in a top-four defenseman, it is clear that they have plenty of roster needs to address. They also need a true starting goalie, a top-six scoring winger, and a legitimate third-line center. With this, the Oilers have plenty of work to do and are entering the summer as one of the NHL’s top teams to watch.
Yet, when it comes to their top-four defenseman problem, Carlson would stand out as an intriguing option to consider if he decides to test free agency. On a one- to two-year deal, he could be a great veteran for Edmonton to bring in as they look to win their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Oilers Named Top Free Agent Landing Spot for Ducks Star D-Man