Can the Oilers Bounce Back From a Bad Loss?
Plus some updated trade deadline talk
Welcome to the THW Edmonton Oilers Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Oilers writers.
The Oilers were handed an ugly loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings and it’s resulted in some roster shuffling. Can Edmonton bounce back against Detroit? Meanwhile, what’s the lastest buzz heading into the trade deadline?
Enjoy today’s edition.
Oilers Must Learn Lessons From Disappointing 4-0 Loss to Kings
February 11, 2024 by Brian Swane
Quinton Byfield scored two goals for the Kings, while his teammates Pierre-Luc Dubois and Trevor Lewis scored. L.A. netminder David Rittich stopped all 27 shots by the Oilers to record his first shutout in nearly three years.
After heading into the All-Star Break with a franchise-record 16 consecutive victories, the Oilers have fallen back to earth, going 1-2 this week since returning from a 10-day layoff between games.
Oilers Likely Holding Top Pick for Uncertain Trade Deadline Target
February 10, 2024 by Jim Parsons
In the latest Insider Trading segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun highlights that Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins has emerged as the primary trade target for the Edmonton Oilers. Despite uncertainties surrounding Guentzel’s availability, the NHL insider insists he remains their preferred choice. At the same time, Elliotte Friedman expressed on the 32 Thoughts podcast that, in his opinion, if Guentzel is available, he’s the player the Oilers would like to acquire, identifying him as “their guy” after assessing their needs in the market.
That begs the question: if Ken Holland wants Guentzel and the Penguins haven’t yet decided if they’re going to trade him, how long does Edmonton wait? And, what do they do about other names they’ve been kicking tires on in the trade market?
Oilers’ Rumoured Connection to Chris Tanev Makes Sense
February 10, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
Following a terrible start to their 2023-24 campaign, the Edmonton Oilers have turned their season around and have found themselves fighting for a playoff spot. Their recent 16-game winning streak ended with a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, but they followed it up with a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday (Feb. 9) night. As a team that will likely be looking to bolster their lineup, the Oilers will surely be active as they head toward the 2024 Trade Deadline on March 8. As our own Jim Parsons mentioned in a recent NHL Rumors column, the Oilers have reportedly taken interest in Calgary Flames defender Chris Tanev.
Oilers’ Have A Tough Road Ahead To The Stanley Cup
February 10, 2024 by Dale Bochon
In life, you can be a glass-is-half-empty kind of person or a glass-is-half-full. You can also just be a realist, and that’s important if you’re a fan of the Edmonton Oilers. When the Oilers’ 16-game unbeaten streak was snapped by the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 on February 6, you have to believe that they have some work ahead of them to improve. That game was a litmus test for where the Oilers are and who they are, and as well as the Oilers played in defeat they still need to get better.
More Oilers Must Reads:
Oilers News & Rumors: Desharnais, Campbell, Trade Deadline
February 9, 2024 by Jim Parsons