Peter Chiarelli addressed the media today after an incredibly disappointing 2017-18 season. The Oilers were expected to contend for a Stanley Cup, but, instead, they’ll be golfing early this summer.

There wasn’t a hell of a lot of interesting stuff to come out of this press conference, which isn’t all that surprising. They’re evaluating, they’re disappointed, they’re looking for an offensive defenceman, water is wet, the sky is blue.

One interesting tidbit, though, came when Chiarelli was asked if he could acquire that coveted offensive defenceman without dealing either Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or this year’s first-round pick. He ignored the part about RNH, suggested they could move the pick, and then was asked against about trading RNH, and he said Nugent-Hopkins was a core member of the team.

What brings us to this week’s What Would You Do Wednesday question. How do you go about acquiring that top defenceman who can produce offence? Would you rather trade a draft pick or a current player? Is this guy available in free agency?

I mean, if Edmonton wins the draft lottery, the question is answered. Rasmus Dahlin is that guy.  But let’s operate under the assumption the universe is sick of giving the Oilers the first overall pick.

Edmonton will go into the draft lottery with the ninth highest odds. That means they have a five per cent chance to selecting first overall and a 16 per cent chance of drafting in the top three. It also means they can move down to as low as 12th overall at the draft. There’s obviously a wide array of places the Oilers could be drafting, but it’s most likely they fall somewhere like ninth or tenth.

Anyways, let’s talk about what defenceman.

The idea of Peter Chiarelli seeking this offensive defenceman via trade stresses me out. The guy has dealt Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle and this is still a thing. Given his trading record, I wouldn’t even be shocked if he got talked into dealing Connor McDavid for a guy who can quarterback a power play and out up 40 points from the blueline.

Jokes aside, finding this guy on the trade market isn’t going to be easy. That isn’t even a shot at Chiarelli and his horrendous trade record, it’s just the reality of rare this type of player is. Good offensive defencemen don’t grow on trees.

A name who could be worth exploring would be Carolina’s Justin Faulk, as the Canes are looking for a “major shake-up.” I like the sounds of that. Tom Dundon says Carolina needs more toughness. Hmmmm. I hear Milan Lucic is a pretty tough customer. Faulk is a right-handed shot and can produce offence. He had a down year, but is signed for two more seasons at $4,833,333.

Otherwise, the possible trade market isn’t all too inspiring. Could the Oilers make a play for Erik Karlsson? I doubt it. Though, damn, that would be amazing. How about Dougie Hamilton or TJ Brodie? I don’t see it happening in the province. Same thing with the glut of good, young Ducks defencemen.

The NHL’s leading point-producer among defencemen is hitting the free agent market this summer. John Carlson had himself a hell of a year in Washington, recording 68 points in 82 games, and will be looking for a huge raise this summer. The Caps are already in cap hell and likely won’t be able to afford him. Could the Oilers afford to toss $7 million at the 28-year-old? He’s a proven point producer from the blueline and he’s a right-handed shot, but the Oilers have cap issues of their own.

The consolation prize would be Mike Green, who is basically the Carlson of three years ago. Green hit the open market after a great career as an offensive defenceman but ended up signing only a three-year deal in Detroit due to injury concerns. He put up 104 points in 212 games with the Red Wings, which is thoroughly solid. Green’s season ended prematurely and he had neck surgery, but it’s expected he’ll be fully ready to roll come training camp time.

Still, though, the Oilers have made two big free agent adds over the past three years in Andrej Sekera and Milan Lucic. I’m not sure if they can afford another one.

There’s also another option, which is just standing pat. Oscar Klefbom had a pretty miserable season, but he was dealing with a lingering injury that should be fixed by the time October rolls around. In 2016-17, Klefbom appeared to be the answer to this question. He recorded 38 points in 82 games and had a modest 16 points on the power play. There’s also Andrej Sekera who underwent ACL surgery after the 2016-17 season and should be better next year. He had 35 points in 80 games and was a solid option at the point on the power play.

Could those two returning to full health give the Oilers the offence they need from the point? How about adding a guy like Ethan Bear into the mix in a sheltered role? Do the Oilers really need to give up an asset to fill this hole when the answer could be internal?