With the NHL trade deadline looming, the Edmonton Oilers are on the hunt to strengthen their defense. After securing goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins last December, the Oilers have faced challenges with defensive consistency, impacting Jarry's performance.
Insider Frank Seravalli has highlighted two key targets for the Oilers: Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Seravalli noted, "The Oilers are keeping a close eye on Justin Faulk and Oliver Ekman-Larsson." Initially, Edmonton was in the market for a scoring forward with size.
However, with Paul Coffey's return to the organization, there's a shift towards enhancing their defensive play to support Jarry. The Oilers are looking for a defensive impact reminiscent of Matthias Ekholm’s 2023 acquisition.
Justin Faulk, a seasoned 33-year-old defenseman, is under a seven-year, $45.5 million contract, becoming a free agent in 2027. This season, Faulk has been productive, tallying 32 points with 11 goals and 21 assists over 58 games.
Meanwhile, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, in his second year with the Maple Leafs, is playing under a four-year, $14 million contract that includes a 16-team no-trade clause. Despite interest from other teams, Ekman-Larsson is committed to staying in Toronto. According to Nick Alberga, Ekman-Larsson is determined to remain with the Leafs, expressing his love for the city and his desire to win there.
Ekman-Larsson, 34, has been effective on the ice, contributing 35 points through eight goals and 27 assists in 59 games this season. As the deadline approaches, the Oilers' pursuit of these defensive talents could be pivotal in their quest for a deeper playoff run.