This post will be short because there is not very much that the Edmonton Oilers need to do to make their team better. They already have young pieces in place for success in the future, but they do need to complement their awesome talent up front with goaltending.
Today Devan Dubnyk is at the IIHF World Hockey Championships representing Canada. But the Oilers still don’t know if he is their goalie of the future. At 26 years old, he still hasn’t proved that he is ready for #1 duty in the NHL. Edmonton’s other keeper, Nikolai Khabibulin is now 39 years old and is almost ready to retire. It would be a good idea for the Oilers to pick up a good #1 goalie in the off season.
Someone like Roberto Luongo, who is rumored to be on the trade block, could be paired with an NHL defenseman like Chris Tanev to be swapped for the for the Oilers first pick in the NHL Entry Draft this year. A crazy trade this this would be exactly what the city of Edmonton needs to propel them into the playoffs.
Other than a goalie, the Oilers’ only other real need is on defense, where they could use a puck moving offensive D man. If one cannot be acquired in a trade, Ryan Murray will be available when they make their first pick. These two needs are the only holes in their lineups that need to be filled.
The Edmonton Oilers are one of the best young teams in the league. Boasting forwards such as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins and Sam Gagner; the Oilers are primed to be contenders for the Cup in a long time.
Did I say in a long time? I meant for a long time. But the kids still need some time in Edmonton. Their young forwards are still green, but as they gain experience their team will take a giant leap forward.
And if they get a good defenseman and goaltender, the Western Conference had better watch out. Because the Oilers will be coming for them.
NHL Central 