The Edmonton Oilers’ Real Issue? It’s Not Just the Goalies - It’s the Defense
Let’s be clear: pointing fingers at goaltending is the easy way out. When pucks are flying into the back of the net, it’s natural to look at the guy in the crease. But in Edmonton, the issues run deeper - and they start in front of the net, not inside it.
This season, the Oilers' defensive struggles have been a recurring theme, and it’s not just about the blue line. We’re talking about team defense - the collective structure, the backchecking, the neutral zone pressure, the ability to close gaps and win puck battles. It’s been inconsistent at best, and it’s exposing the goaltenders in ways that make them look far worse than they actually are.
There was a stretch earlier this season when things clicked. The team got healthier, the structure tightened up, and with Tristan Jarry in net, the Oilers looked like a different squad.
Everyone was playing their role, the pace was controlled, and they were winning battles in their own zone. But that version of the Oilers didn’t last.
The structure faded, and the defensive leaks returned - a sign that the system wasn’t sustainable over the long haul.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching, the focus inside the organization appears to be shifting. Forget the buzz about adding another top-six forward.
The Oilers are prioritizing help on the back end - and not just any help. They’re looking for a player who can bring the kind of shutdown presence that Mattias Ekholm once provided at his peak.
Ekholm is still a reliable piece, but post-surgery, he’s not quite the same dominant force he used to be. He’s solid, but the Oilers need more.
They need another defenseman who can eat tough minutes, kill plays before they develop, and give their goalies a fighting chance. Someone who brings physicality, poise, and a steadying presence in high-leverage moments.
That’s not all. Edmonton’s also in the market for a mid-line forward - someone with a strong two-way game who can help reinforce their defensive identity.
Think less highlight-reel scorer, more responsible, dependable, and versatile. That kind of addition could give the Oilers the depth and balance they’ve been missing.
Of course, there’s a cap crunch to navigate. Any move they make will likely require shedding salary, and Andrew Mangiapane’s name keeps surfacing in those conversations. Whether he’s part of a trade package or a cap-clearing move, it’s clear that something has to give financially before any serious additions can be made.
One name that’s quietly making the rounds is Nic Roy - a center who could fit that two-way mold and help stabilize the middle six. Whether he’s the target or someone like him, the Oilers are clearly leaning toward improving their defensive posture rather than chasing more offensive firepower.
And honestly, that makes sense. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers aren’t hurting for offense.
What they need is structure. Support.
A team-wide commitment to defense that doesn’t leave their goaltenders out to dry.
If Edmonton can find the right pieces to shore up their back end and reinforce their defensive game, they won’t just stop the bleeding - they’ll become a much more dangerous team come playoff time. Because when McDavid and Draisaitl are doing their thing up front, all this team really needs is a solid foundation behind them.