Oilers trailing in defensive depth, GM Bowman seeks forward help via trade

The Edmonton Oilers are atop the NHL standings after three games with a 2-0-1 record and 5 points, but their defence is leaking goals and GM Stan Bowman is working the phones to acquire forward depth.

The Oilers' top five defencemen — Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Connor Murphy, Jake Walman, and Ryan Shea — are safe from trade. The depth defencemen on the table are Shakir Mukhamadullin, Ty Emberson, and Spencer Stastney. Mukhamadullin played the first two games but was replaced by Emberson in Saturday's contest against Seattle; Stastney has been a healthy scratch in all three games.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman told Sportsnet that the Oilers are exploring what he called a "lateral trade" — defenceman for forward. "Edmonton has a lot of [defence] and some forward injuries," Friedman said. "Their forwards are not out long-term, so it's not like they're panicked to do it. If there is a lateral [defence] for forward move they can make with their depth players, they will look at it." The Detroit Red Wings, run by former Oilers assistant Shawn Horcoff, have been mentioned as a potential partner.

Captain Connor McDavid says the team recognizes the defensive problems need solving. McDavid told media after the win in Vancouver, where he posted 1 goal and 4 assists, that the team understands the game's got to look a little bit different.

Zach Hyman remains on the injury list. McDavid is centering the first line between Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin.