With the 2026 NHL trade deadline almost here, it is apparent that the Edmonton Oilers desperately need to make some changes to their roster. At this point of the campaign, the Oilers have a 29-24-8 record and are third in the Pacific Division standings with 66 points. However, they have also lost five out of their last six games, so they have been trending in the wrong direction as of late.
When looking at the Oilers’ roster, it is clear that they have some flaws that they need to address. One of their biggest issues is their blueline at this point of the season. There is no question that they could use another impactful defenseman in their top four. Bringing in a steady defenseman who can play big minutes and work in multiple situations would be huge for an Oilers club that needs some serious help right now.
Now, with the Oilers struggling and needing to improve their defensive group, they are being linked to a notable blueliner from the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs.
Oilers Interested in Maple Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson
During the latest edition of Saturday Headlines for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers have interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson with the trade deadline rapidly approaching.
“One of the Maple Leafs with term is Oliver Ekman-Larsson,” Friedman said. “I do believe he is on the Oilers’ radar. The Oilers lost again today to San Jose in a game where they had a lot of defensive troubles.”
Hearing that the Oilers have interest in Ekman-Larsson is not surprising in the slightest. It is no secret that the Oilers need to make a significant addition to their defensive group, and landing a blueliner like Ekman-Larsson would provide them with just that.
If the Oilers acquired Ekman-Larsson, he could slot very nicely in their top four. Due to his ability to play the right side, he could work on the Oilers’ second pairing with Darnell Nurse. However, he could also replace Nurse on the left side of their second pairing and play with Jake Walman. In either scenario, the Oilers would get a nice boost by bringing in Ekman-Larsson from Toronto.
Ekman-Larsson’s strong all-around game would also make him a candidate for time on both the Oilers’ power play and penalty kill. He would also give them another veteran who is known for his leadership qualities.
Ekman-Larsson would also be more than a rental for the Oilers if acquired, as he is in the second season of his four-year, $14 million contract with Edmonton.
Oilers Also Looking for Third-Line Center
While the Oilers have their eye on Ekman-Larsson, Friedman also noted that the Oilers are looking to add a third-line center as well.
“From what I’ve heard, I think Edmonton is looking at two possibilities. A defenseman who can play the right side, OEL has done that before, or potentially a third center, especially if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stays on the wing.”
When noting that the Oilers are in need of more secondary offensive production, it makes sense that they are also looking to add a forward. With this, the Oilers are undoubtedly a team to watch as we charge toward the deadline.
Oilers Linked to Maple Leafs $14 Million Defenseman