Jan 14, 2019
Rishaug: Oilers pressing to add at forward
The Edmonton Oilers organization is on a “full court press” for help at forward and have deployed staff and scouts en masse according to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug.
TSN.ca Staff
The Edmonton Oilers organization is on a “full court press” for help at forward and have deployed staff and scouts en masse according to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug.
While being right up against the cap could make it tough, a first-round pick, a goaltender and maybe a young developing forward are likely all in play, Rishaug said Monday.
Edmonton sits 22nd in goals on the season and 26th in shot attempts despite Connor McDavid sitting fourth in total points and Leon Draisaitl in a tie for 13th. Things haven’t been much better of late as they’ve won just three of their last 10 games.
This isn't the first time this season that general manager Peter Chiarelli has sought help at forward. The Oilers acquired Ryan Spooner in exchange for Ryan Strome in November, but Spooner has two goals and one assist in 23 games.
Kurt Leavins of The Edmonton Journal wrote Sunday that the Oilers may consider moving goaltender Cam Talbot for forward help ahead of the deadline. Both Talbot and fellow netminder Mikko Koskinen, who owns a no-move clause, will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.
Talbot has struggled this season, posting a 9-13-2 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. He has a limited no-trade clause which allows him to submit a list of 10 teams approved for a trade.
Koskinen has been better, posting a 12-8-1 record with a 2.72 GAA and a .913 save percentage.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Oilers (21-21-3) sit two points back of the Minnesota Wild for the second wild-card spot. They will be back in action Monday night as they host the 23-16-6 Buffalo Sabres.