The trade deadline is 21 days away, and the Edmonton Oilers are no doubt formulating their plan of action. Will they trade Nick Schultz? Surely. Ales Hemsky? Likely. Sam Gagner? It sure looks like it. Craig MacTavish has been trading players for players of late, but the organization needs to add a few 2014 picks (their second rounder is in St. Louis for Perron, third rounder in Los Angeles for Scrivens). Chances are they’ll be sending away some of these NHL players for picks at the deadline. This means AHL players will be getting the call. Who is on that list?

is having a very strong season in Oklahoma City. He’s the club’s leading scorer (33GP, 14-21-35) while also providing solid 2-way play. We’ll find out what the Oilers think of Lander after the Olympic break. He’s an RFA at the end of the season and the club will have to sign him as an NHL player—I doubt he’ll accept a two-way deal—or they may trade him.

(40GP, 7-19-26 +8) is the Barons best defenseman this season. He’s played mentor to the department of youth (Gernat currently) and has been an impact player on the power play (5-8-13 with the man advantage). The Oilers look set on the right side for next season (Petry, Justin Schultz) on two pairings, but that third pairing should be open (unless Edmonton upgrades without trading Petry). There’s a chance Fedun flies out of Oklahoma City in February and does not return.

is an NHL player based on his season (41GP, 4-14-18 with the Oilers) and is hammering the AHL (3GP, 3-4-7). The Oilers employed Arcobello successfully while Sam Gagner struggled but a losing season often sweeps out players trying to establish themselves in the NHL. We should get an indication about Arco’s future with Edmonton after the break. If he’s recalled and inserted into the lineup, he may have a future in Edmonton.

(34GP, 13-12-25) is an interesting forward for the Oilers. The club traded for him, had a quick look-see, and then sent him down to OKC. Could they choose post-deadline to get a good look, or wait until training camp in the fall?

(26GP, 6-9-15) showed very well in a quick three game look in Edmonton before suffering yet another injury. He may need some extra time to get back into the swing of things in the AHL (he hasn’t played since end of January), but was 3-3-6 +5 in his five games before his most recent injury.

(38GP, 0-6-6 -9) has had an uneven season but there are some good signs lately (0-3-3 +2 in his last 12GP). Edmonton’s success in developing Martin Marincin (who spent 1+ seasons in the AHL before getting the call) may be the wise choice with Klefbom, but there’s a chance he gets a cup of coffee.

There are others who could get the call, including Richard Bachman, Will Acton, Brad Hunt and Ryan Hamilton. If the Oilers are as active as rumored at the trade deadline, we could see as many as six additions via trade and injury before the end of the season.

(all Barons photos by Rob Ferguson, all rights reserved)