NHL trade rumors: Insider claims Edmonton Oilers are actively gauging trade market to address lack of defensive depth

The Edmonton Oilers are looking to improve their defense before the March 7 trade deadline. GM Stan Bowman and his team met to review the roster and identify potential targets. They held pro scouting meetings and are looking for top-four defensemen or depth pieces.

While the Oilers’s defense has been solid, they want to ensure depth in case of injuries. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, they are looking to strengthen their lineup with a defenseman.

"Edmonton entered Thursday night eighth in the league in goals against. They've been pretty solid defensively, but there's also a recognition within the Oilers' front office that (in) Edmonton," LeBrun said."There's a lack of depth there if they do start to run into injuries as the season goes on.

"So, there was chatter in those meetings this week that they put together a list of names in terms of the D market, and the idea is to upgrade the blue line if possible." LeBrun added.

The Edmonton Oilers have a 25-13-3 record and are second in the Pacific. They are aware of their lack of depth, so they want to add a defenceman but are considering the market situation, asking price and lack of availability.

"Now, that can come in a lot of different ways, Gino," LeBrun said. "You know, I mean, obviously, in the perfect world, you add a top 4D. ... At the very least, they would add a depth piece. It's early in the process.

"GM Stan Bowman, I'm told, has just really started to make calls around the league now to gauge the market."

The Oilers are facing challenges due to the Eastern Conference's tight playoff race. With most teams like the Capitals, Leafs, Devils, Panthers, Hurricanes, Bruins and the Lightning still competing, there are few sellers in the East, which limits the available options for Edmonton.

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Edmonton Oilers' flexible approach in search of a defenseman

The Edmonton Oilers are flexible in their search for a defenseman. LeBrun thinks they might trade for a right-handed shutdown defender like Montreal Canadiens' David Savard or a left-handed puck mover.

This season, they have shown adaptability, with Brett Kulak playing on both sides, while assistant coach Paul Coffey has adjusted the defensive pairings.

"So, the Oilers are casting a wide net as they start to make their calls in a D market. They can go left, they could go right, they could go top four, they could go depth. They're looking at everything." LeBrun said.

The Edmonton Oilers have some salary cap space, so they are expected to make a move soon.