Oilers’ Bowman Actively Pursuing Upgrades for Blue Line
The Edmonton Oilers are already looking ahead to the March 7 trade deadline and focusing on strengthening their blue line. General Manager Stan Bowman is making preliminary calls to explore options for upgrading the team’s defense, according to a report by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
After making significant changes to their defense corps last summer, the Oilers are still evaluating potential improvements. While the lineup has seen some new faces, like Ty Emberson and Josh Brown, the team is considering further enhancements to bolster their defensive capabilities.
Despite the changes, the Oilers have been holding their own defensively this season, ranking eighth in the league in goals against per game at 2.73. The team’s top pairings have been contributing solid minutes on the ice, with players like Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Brett Kulak leading the way.
While the Oilers have been fortunate to avoid major injuries on the blue line so far, the front office understands the importance of depth for the long haul. Injuries can always disrupt a team’s momentum, and having strong backup options is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
As the Oilers continue their solid performance this season, sitting in second place in the Pacific Division with a 25-12-3 record, the focus is on strategic moves that could further solidify their defense for the challenges ahead. Stay tuned for updates as the trade deadline approaches.
