Oilers defense

[doulos]

They need a top end guy and should trade anyone on the roster to get one. Anyone. The thing is they also need another second pairing guy as well. How they acquire both of those players is beyond me since teams don't trade them away.

Letang is a really good player, but the Oilers need someone who is much more well rounded than Letang.

[Sulla]

agreed!

[petegreg21]

They'll probably play a pretty heavy hand in the FA market this summer, maybe overpay a couple of guys. LA is likely to let Matt Greene walk. He was drafted by Edmonton so maybe he'll head back. Then add someone like Orpik and maybe you can keep the pucks out of your net a bit.

Schultz-Orpik
Nurse-Greene
Ference-Petry
Marincin
Klefbom

[doulos]

They'll probably play a pretty heavy hand in the FA market this summer, maybe overpay a couple of guys. LA is likely to let Matt Greene walk. He was drafted by Edmonton so maybe he'll head back. Then add someone like Orpik and maybe you can keep the pucks out of your net a bit.

Schultz-Orpik
Nurse-Greene
Ference-Petry
Marincin
Klefbom

Bringing in 2 solid bottom pairing defenseman is not bad for most teams but that defense likely has them closer to McDavid than the playoffs.

[Nehithaw]

They need a top end guy and should trade anyone on the roster to get one. Anyone. The thing is they also need another second pairing guy as well. How they acquire both of those players is beyond me since teams don't trade them away.

Letang is a really good player, but the Oilers need someone who is much more well rounded than Letang.

Dustin Byfuglien?

[MXHockey]

They'll probably play a pretty heavy hand in the FA market this summer, maybe overpay a couple of guys. LA is likely to let Matt Greene walk. He was drafted by Edmonton so maybe he'll head back. Then add someone like Orpik and maybe you can keep the pucks out of your net a bit.

Schultz-Orpik
Nurse-Greene
Ference-Petry
Marincin
Klefbom

Sadly that list is a huge improvement over this past season, but I doubt Orpik would want to sign in Edmonton.

Also, they are going to be forced to throw Nurse into playing in the top four and hopefully he can adjust.

[Rustyrug]

Hate to say it, but Phanuef would be a top dog in Edmonton.

Who knows, Leafs will trade him before his no trade kicks in July 1

[petegreg21]

Bringing in 2 solid bottom pairing defenseman is not bad for most teams but that defense likely has them closer to McDavid than the playoffs.

Unfortunately you're right, but it's not like marquee defencemen grow on trees.

I figure they'll have to keep plugging holes until they can develop one or two great D themselves. Maybe that'll be Nurse and Klefbom or Marincin but who knows. At least the veteran presence could help the young guys on D, give them a little guidance and mentorship.

[petegreg21]

Hate to say it, but Phanuef would be a top dog in Edmonton.

Who knows, Leafs will trade him before his no trade kicks in July 1

If he was anchored by a solid stay at home/shutdown defenceman, Phaneuf could be a top dog on a lot of teams.

[Rustyrug]

If he was anchored by a solid stay at home/shutdown defenceman, Phaneuf could be a top dog on a lot of teams.

I agree!!

[gfunkb7]

A guy like Phaneuf would make sense. He can be an offensive force, as a big body (Pierre McGuire), blocks shots (20th amongst NHL defensemen last year) and I heard on the news yesterday that there are only 4 untradable Maple Leaf (my guess is JVR Kessel Reilly and Bernier).

[doulos]

Hate to say it, but Phanuef would be a top dog in Edmonton.

Who knows, Leafs will trade him before his no trade kicks in July 1

Phaneuf would be an excellent choice in Edmonton. I'd be in favour.

I imagine they will shoot for defensemen like Mark Fayne though, because hey, it's the Oilers.

[MXHockey]

Can't see Phaneuf wanting to go to Edmonton. His NTC indicates that he can provide a 12 team list.

[theIceWookie]

Can't see Phaneuf wanting to go to Edmonton. His NTC indicates that he can provide a 12 team list.

Edmonton is his hometown. But regardless, the NTC doesn't kick in until July 1st. So he has little say over where he goes until then.

It's a good team fit, and they have the assets. A top pick won't do much for them, but as a trade chip would be quite valuable to the Leafs.

Could be an intriguing deal.

[theIceWookie]

Double post. Deleted.