The Edmonton Oilers have faced a season-long struggle keeping the puck out of their net, prompting significant changes between the pipes. The team recently shook up their goaltending roster by trading Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry.
Additionally, Spencer Stastney was acquired from the Nashville Predators. In a further move, the Oilers called up Connor Ingram and sent veteran Calvin Pickard to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Despite these adjustments, defensive issues persist, leading to the return of former assistant coach Paul Coffey.
With the March 6th NHL trade deadline looming, the Oilers are reportedly eyeing upgrades for their blueline. NHL insiders suggest the team is particularly interested in two standout defensemen: Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who also represented Sweden in the 2026 Olympics.
The Oilers are not pursuing Tyler Myers, who was recently held out of the Vancouver Canucks lineup for potential trade reasons. Instead, Faulk and Ekman-Larsson are the focal points, as reported by NHL insider Frank Seravalli on Amazon Prime Video's Coast To Coast.
Both players have caught the Oilers' attention, but acquiring them would necessitate some financial maneuvering due to the team's current salary cap situation. This likely means moving out a player like Andrew Mangiapane, who is reportedly on the trading block.
Justin Faulk, turning 34 soon, is in the penultimate year of a seven-year deal at $6.5 million annually. Known for his offensive prowess, Faulk also contributes on the penalty kill and logs heavy minutes, averaging over 22 minutes per game with the Blues. This season, he has tallied 32 points in 58 games, indicating he's still a valuable asset.
On the other hand, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, also 34, is in the second year of a four-year contract worth $3.5 million per season. Like Faulk, his strength lies in his offensive game, with 35 points in 59 games this season. He averages just under 21 minutes per game and has experienced a career resurgence after his contract buyout by the Canucks.
Both Faulk and Ekman-Larsson could bolster the Oilers' defense, offering offensive contributions and valuable playoff experience. Ekman-Larsson even boasts a recent Stanley Cup victory, adding to his appeal. For a team with championship aspirations, these additions could be pivotal in their quest for a Stanley Cup.