Sorta realistic Post deadline roster

Team: 2021-22 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 10, 2022

Published: Jan. 10, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

First off, I need to make it clear that it's not ideal. But to try and be somewhat realistic, not all needs of this team are going to be addressed during the TDL. So you have to prioritize what is needed RIGHT NOW. Looking at org priorities and what is available internally, the 2 key areas that can benefit hugely via trade are a 2nd pair dman for the left-side and a goalie. I think forward depth is an issue 100% but, that is something that can be more directly addressed for the long-term in the offseason and there are some internal options that are worth plugging in first that haven't gotten shots yet.

So with the goalie, it should come down to either Holtby or Flower. The reason being is simple. Term. With both becoming UFA's after this season, it allows the oilers to really dig their heels in the offseason to find a long-term solution in a much more open marketplace rather than make a panic move for Allen, Varlamov or Khudobin (the ladder 2 having term beyond this year). I will note that adding Holtby is entirely dependent on if Dallas continues their trajectory from now till the TDL. If this happens they will surely be sellers with a bunch of ageing vets + a contractless Klingberg, they have valuable trade chips for playoff-bound teams to acquire for a price. If Dallas gets it together then obviously it changes this entire post as the 1st most likely would be needed to snag flower. I just think going for Allen or Varlamov is simply not the play to primarily go with.

Next is 2nd LHD. for me Giordano would be the best add from the lot but, would require: a) retention (hence prospect attached) b) gio waiving his NTC to go to edmonton. If gio is too rich for edmonton's blood or doesn't waive, some decent options could be nick leddy or calvin de haan. Just as long as it IS NOT BEN CHIAROT. because he carries a way too high price tag and is nowhere near worth it for what he does on the ice. Simply put he is bad.

The forwards are about internal options and shuffling the lines to be better down the middle. Centre depth is the core of all good playoff teams and the oilers will need nuge to be a 3C to have any chance (with how the roster is currently constructed). 3C's at the deadline carry a massive price tag so the solution for this season at least has to be internal. The 4th line made up of the best line in the AHL over the last 2 seasons should provide good scoring depth and physicality at a very cheap price and Holloway will be a lock on at least the 3rd line after an AHL conditioning stint. He probably fits better stylistically with a 1st/2nd line role but, that would be too much for the rookie unless he shows otherwise once called up.

I know that the trades might not be 100% there but these would at least be the foundational pieces that would be exchanged. Let me know what you think.

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