With the trade deadline approaching Friday, the Oilers solidified their lineup with the acquisition of right hand defensemen Connor Murphy, centre Jason Dickinson and centre Colton Dach all from the Chicago Blackhawks. Here is what each of these players brings to the table to Edmonton.
Connor Murphy RHD
Stan Bowman found his right shooting defencmen in Connor Murphy. I really like this deal as this is exactly what the Oilers need. He's a big play6er at 6.04 and he's know for making simple plays and playing opposing players with a lot of physicality. With all of Edmonton's issue on defence, hopefully this with staunch the bleeding to a certain degree and will allow more players to be deployed on their natural side. Also, with Chicago retaining 50% of his 4.4 million dollar slurry, Bowman is able to fit this within the Oilers cap. This was a great move.
Jason Dickenson C
He's a left hand shot centre who was often matched up versus the opposition's offensive lines. He plays a good defensive game and is trustworthy in all three zones. This gives Edmonton another option late in the game if they need to protect the lead and should improve the Oilers overall team defence and the penalty kill. This was a good pick up by Bowman, but in came at the expense of their 2027 first round pick. This was a steep price to pay, but it was the only way the Hawks would agree to taking on Mangiapane's contract. He's also a big body at 6'02 adds ge does not shy away from physical play, which will be needed come playoff time.
Colton Dach C
Another big player at 6'04 and only 23 years of age, Dach is a former 62 overall pick in the in the 2021 draft. Dach is still a player under development, but he should bring some youth to the bottom six and hopefully he can throw around that big body to give the opposition fits. I haven't seen him play often admittedly, but like I said, his size will be a welcome addiction for the playoffs.
All in all, I like the acquisitions as they bring size and will improve the team's defence. If I were the Oilers, I owl attempt to pick up another right hand shot defensemen. I'd target Zach Whitcloud as he's reliable defensively and has an affordable 2.75 cap hit until 2028. What do you all think of the trades and what the Oilers should do going forward?