NHL Trade Rumors: Analyst names three key defensemen Oilers should target

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic named three key defensemen the Edmonton Oilers should target: Artem Zub, Rasmus Andersson and Justin Barron. Finding the right defenseman to partner with Darnell Nurse is a priority, and each player brings unique strengths.

Artem Zub from the Ottawa Senators is a top-tier shutdown defenseman. His play against top opponents, per Puck IQ, makes him valuable. Despite his impressive stats, Zub stays under the radar due to his team's struggles. He could provide the Oilers with a reliable presence on the top pairing, possibly alongside Mattias Ekholm if Nurse pairs with Evan Bouchard.

Zub's consistent performance, despite injuries, make him a solid target. Acquiring him might require waiting until the trade deadline.

Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames is a more debatable option. Known for his physical play and ability to aggravate opponents, Andersson could complement Nurse on the second pairing.

However, increased workload has shown some cracks in his defensive game. The cost of acquiring Andersson would be high, especially given the Flames' reluctance to aid their rivals. A complex trade, possibly involving a third team, might be necessary to bring Andersson to Edmonton.

Acquiring Justin Barron fromthe Montreal Canadiens also has potential. At 22, Barron's mobility makes him a good investment for the Oilers. Despite his progress, Barron is not yet a proven top-four defenseman. The Canadiens' rebuilding phase might make them hesitant to part with a young player. A swap involving Philip Broberg could also be considered to balance cap considerations.

Oilers face challenges in securing key defensemen

The Oilers face several challenges in securing these players. The Senators' potential playoff contention could delay any move for Zub, and the cost would likely be high. Andersson's acquisition would be complex and expensive due to the Flames' position and rivalry factor. Barron, while promising, might not be easily pried away from Montreal.

Cap considerations are a big part of the play here. Zub's $4.6 million cap hit and Andersson's $4.55 million would require salary retention or additional moves. Barron's lower cap hit aligns well with Broberg's, simplifying a potential trade. For Oilers fans, the pursuit of a defenseman to stabilize the second pairing is a regular thing during summers.

The way Edmonton played in the 2023-24 season, making it to the Stanley Cup finals, it will be important for it to make the blue line strong to complement the high end offense from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers lost 2-1 in Game 7 for the finals, so, this year demands work on fixing their lineup needs.