Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Eyeing Pair of Forwards via Trade
Ever since the gruesome injury to forward Evander Kane, the Edmonton Oilers' offensive depth has been much less potent. With Kane in the lineup, the Oil have an 8-6-0 record with a +4 goal differential; without him, they have a 9-8-1 record with a +2 goal differential.
So far this season, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid account for approximately 43% of the Oilers' goals; the highest such proportion in the NHL. Through 32 games, the duo has a combined 116 points and occupy the #1 and #2 spot in the NHL's scoring leaderboard. Beyond that, they really need forward depth.
Rumor has it - via Elliotte Friedman - that the Oilers have expressed interest in two forwards; Chicago's Sam Lafferty and St. Louis' Noel Acciari.
The Blackhawks are going nowhere fast this season, so they might as well move who they can - for what they can - by the trade deadline. The same could be said for St. Louis, who really stumbled out of the gate this season and could use some help in the draft if they can get it.
Edmonton, as mentioned, is in need of help up front, and the aforementioned forwards could be two affordable options for GM Ken Holland.
Lafferty, 27, has just 7 points in 23 games for the Hawks this season with a __ rating. Acciari, 31, has 12 points in 31 games for the Blues so far. Acciari's veteran presence up the middle could be useful for the Oilers, while Lafferty's strong defensive presence could provide a much needed boost in a weak spot.
After all, Edmonton's defensive struggles are legendary at this point.
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