The Edmonton Oilers are exploring the NHL trade market for another winger to play alongside Connor McDavid.
Dave Pagnotta discussed Edmonton’s plans on the “Bleed Oil Blue Podcast.” He said the Oilers are already looking at potential additions.
“This is a club that would like to bring in somebody,” Pagnotta said. “I still kind of maintain that perfect world, they find another winger to play in the top six and presumably ideally play with number 97.”
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The Oilers have limited salary-cap flexibility, which could make any trade difficult. However, Pagnotta believes Edmonton could make the necessary moves if the right player becomes available.
“I could certainly see them being in a position where that’s the ideal, and then you kind of go from there to see what other options are,” he said.
Oilers already scouring the NHL trade market
Pagnotta stressed that Edmonton is not reacting to its opening-night loss against Vancouver.
The Oilers fell 6-5 to the Canucks in overtime on September 29. Evan Bouchard recorded a hat trick and five points, while McDavid collected two assists.
Pagnotta said Edmonton’s search has been ongoing and will continue through the season.
“I don’t think they’re going to just try to make a move right now because of one loss,” he said. “But this is something that they’ve been kind of scouring the market to see what potential pieces may be available.”
The Oilers could evaluate the market in three stages. They can assess available players now, revisit options if teams struggle, and make another push before the trade deadline.
McDavid remains Edmonton’s offensive centerpiece after producing 138 points last season. The captain also opened this season with two assists against Vancouver.
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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is currently sidelined with a minor injury. That has forced Edmonton to adjust its top-six combinations early in the season.
Pagnotta described this period as “information gathering season” for NHL teams. Edmonton appears ready to monitor the market before deciding whether another top-six winger is necessary.
