With just a few days before the NHL Trade Deadline, the Edmonton Oilers’ captain is giving his annual vote of approval to team management.
When speaking to the media on Monday, centre Connor McDavid was asked about how he is feeling heading into the deadline. The former first-overall pick admitted it can be an emotional time with players being shipped off and coming into the fold. McDavid also pointed out that he expects general manager Stan Bowman and company to help bolster the lineup before 1 p.m. MT on Friday.
”Management in years past has always done a good job of pitching in and giving us another horse in the stable to help us coming down the stretch and into the playoffs, so I’d expect management to do the same,” McDavid said.
It might not be easy for the Oilers to take big swings without getting rid of some money. Even with the relief from Evander Kane being on long-term injured reserve, Edmonton has a little over $5.1 million in deadline cap space, according to PuckPedia. That said, there is room for the Oilers to add some depth on cheap contracts for the playoff push.
Oilers fans are starting to call for the team’s brass to make some moves, especially after Edmonton lost its first four games coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, giving up 21 goals during the skid. That has led to the discussion about acquiring a goaltender to step in to replace Stuart Skinner.
Edmonton has made some notable moves during the deadline season over the past couple of years. Last year, the team acquired forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick, along with defenceman Troy Stetcher.
That came after former GM Ken Holland made one of the bigger trades before the 2023 deadline, acquiring Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators. That move has paid dividends, as the Swedish rearguard has brought stability to the Oilers’ blue line.
The Oilers (35-21-4) are second in the Pacific Division, four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first. Edmonton is scheduled to host the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night.
