Oilers exploring lateral trades as Jason Dickinson nears return

The Oilers are actively exploring trades to address forward depth even as their injury situation improves. Following a 3-1 win over Seattle on Saturday night, the club is considering lateral deals—swapping a defenceman for a forward—before Wednesday's game against Anaheim begins a three-game California road trip.

Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, said Edmonton might make a trade between Saturday and the Anaheim matchup. "Maybe there's an addition between now and then as well," Stauffer said. "I just wonder. Like I'm just looking at the timeline here. If you integrate somebody new into the team, make a smaller deal."

Elliot Friedman of Sportsnet said Edmonton has explored such moves. "Edmonton has a lot of D. And some forward injuries. They have explored a lateral trade — is the phrase I've heard — maybe a defenceman for a forward. Their forwards are not out long term, so it's not like they're panicked to do it, but if there is a lateral D for forward move the could make with their depth players, they will look at it," Friedman said Saturday on Sportsnet's broadcast.

Centre Jason Dickinson, who has been injured, may return during the three-game road trip. The Oilers will practice Monday and Tuesday before heading to California.

The club has depth on the blue line to work with. Shakir Mukhamadullin, acquired this summer in the Darnell Nurse contract trade, has played two NHL games for Edmonton, including one against Vancouver where the Oilers won 9-7. Ty Emberson, a 26-year-old right shot, has improved from his first to second year with the team. Emberson and Jake Walman formed the Oilers' most effective pairing against Anaheim in the playoffs.

Spencer Stastney, a depth defenceman who signed a one-year deal at $1.525 million, struggled last season and would likely pass through waivers if sent to the minors. Prospects Damian Carfagna and Tomas Cibulka in Bakersfield are pushing to surpass Stastney on the depth chart.

Forward prospects remain in development. Isaac Howard and Josh Samanski, an emergency recall option, have not played much, and coach Mike Babcock has not been impressed by either so far.