WWYDW: The Trading Block

After 10 games, the Oilers have only won three games. In contrast, the team won seven of its first 10 games last year, giving them quite a bit of room for error throughout the season. While I don’t think it’s time to smash the panic button just yet — the underlying numbers are strong, the percentages and special teams results are bound to improve, and the core of the roster is good, as much as it might be hard to see that right now —  the team might be in need of a shakeup sooner rather than later.

Apparently Peter Chiarelli feels the same way. Yesterday, it was reported that the Oilers were opening to moving bottom-six forwards Jussi Jokinen and Anton Slepyshev. Also, reports indicate that the team is disappointed with newly-acquired forward Ryan Strome and another team in the league is interested in sophomore defenceman Matt Benning.

That brings us to this week’s what would you do Wednesday question. Do the Oilers need a shakeup? Who would be on your trading block? Is a worthwhile deal even possible at this stage of the season?

The biggest issue for the Oilers this season has been scoring goals. As of right now, they sit dead last in the league in goals for in all situations with a paltry 22, meaning they’re averaging just over two goals per game. They’re second-last in goals for at even strength with 15 and their power play is operating at a 12.1 percent efficiency, also second-last in the league.

The top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Patrick Maroon is producing virtually all of Edmonton’s offence, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has also been effective, chipping in with four goals. Otherwise? Forwards not named McDavid, Draisaitl, Maroon, or Nugent-Hopkins have combined for just four goals.

Milan Lucic only has one goal, which is obviously disappointing for a $6 million player. Ryan Strome only has one goal, and hasn’t come anywhere near replacing Jordan Eberle’s production, even in his down season. Drake Caggiula, Jussi Jokinen, and Anton Slepyshev, all possible candidates to fill in a top-six role left by Eberle, have yet to score. Kailer Yamamoto hasn’t scored a goal either, but he’s looked quite effective on McDavid’s wing. Still, given the team’s impending salary cap outlook, keeping the 2017 first round pick up beyond that nine-game window might be ill-advised.

As I mentioned earlier, the underlying numbers are good and the percentages are bad and eventually this thing is going to have to turn around. At the very least, those aforementioned players who aren’t scoring are still posting very good shot attempt differentials, so they aren’t getting caved in on the defensive side of the ice.

Chiarelli figured the team could fill holes through internal progression this summer and ultimately decided to be quiet during free agency. That hasn’t gone according to plan thus far. The Oilers have a lot of cap space to work with, which puts them in a position to pull the trigger on a mammoth trade deadline deal for a player, like, say, Rick Nash or James Neal. Or, hell, if we’re going to dare to dream, maybe even John Tavares.

But is there time to wait until February to make additions? The team looks out of sorts right now. They don’t have the same energy or swagger that they did last year. They obviously aren’t as bad as their 3-6-1 record indicates nor are they the worst offensive team in the league, but if you’ve dug yourself a massive hole by American Thanksgiving, it’s very difficult to climb out of it.

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