With the Winter Olympics and the roster freeze now in the rearview, the NHL's spotlight shifts to the March 6 trade deadline. The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up to make some strategic moves, eyeing a stronger defense and possibly boosting their forward lineup as they aim for a third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance-and this time, they’re hungry for victory.
The buzz in the hockey world is that the Oilers are keen on enhancing their blueline, but there’s talk of a dual acquisition strategy. Former NHL GM and current TSN analyst Craig Button has thrown his hat in the ring, suggesting the Oilers should make a play for both a defenseman and a forward in one fell swoop.
Button's advice? Look to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Connor Murphy and center Jason Dickinson.
He believes Murphy is a perfect match to pair with Darnell Nurse, noting his right-shot capability and stable presence. Murphy could bring that much-needed calm and consistency to the Oilers' defense.
Murphy, 32, is in the final year of his four-year, $17.6 million deal with Chicago. Meanwhile, Dickinson, 30, is also nearing the end of his two-year, $8.5 million contract. Both players bring valuable experience and could fill crucial gaps for Edmonton.
Button's recommendation is rooted in history-Stan Bowman, now the Oilers' GM, originally brought Murphy to Chicago from the Arizona Coyotes back in 2017. Murphy’s stats this season include 12 points, 55 hits, and 84 blocks over 57 games, showing his all-around contribution on the ice. Dickinson has chipped in with 13 points in 43 games, showcasing his potential as a solid third-line center.
While acquiring both players could be a game-changer for Edmonton, Bowman's known preference for players with contract term over rentals might complicate matters. However, the scarcity of impactful, non-rental options at the trade deadline makes this potential deal with Chicago worth considering.
The Oilers have the option to extend one or both players if they fit well with the team dynamics, making this a strategic move that could pay off in spades. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see if they can pull off this savvy double acquisition.