Oilers Looking For Top-6 Help, But Will Have To Come Later

The Edmonton Oilers didn't necessarily get better on paper, but their forward group looks a fair bit different in a good way. They got younger and faster, but aren't done making moves. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Oilers are looking for another top-6 guy.

This could change or it could be a move for the trade deadline after seeing how the season is shaking out to that point. Edmonton already brought in Andrew Mangiapane, Isaac Howard, Trent Frederic last season, and have Vasily Podkolzin, who proved he can play on the second line beside Leon Draisaitl, as well as Matthew Savoie, who did the same and is seen as the Oilers' top prospect.

There are definitely options for the Oilers internally, and that's a good thing considering they have no cap space to work with if they carry 23 players on the roster. Even though Savoie and Howard are exempt from waivers, there is a slim chance they play in the AHL. It isn't often the Oilers get prospects like these who could come in and make an immediate impact on entry-level deals.

Mangiapane could really surprise people. He may have just put up 14 goals and 28 points last season with the Washington Capitals, but that's playing bottom-6 minutes. He will likely be beside Draisaitl, who is widely considered one of the best passers in the game. Whether Ryan Nugent-Hopkins plays third line center or top line wing, there will be plenty of options for the top-6 to mix and match until Edmonton finds what they like.

Unfortunately, the Oilers were unable to convince Darnell Nurse or Adam Henrique to waive their no-trade clause. Moving either of them would really help the team out. The Oilers should be able to accrue some cap space over the course of the season and possibly move someone out by the trade deadline to upgrade in the top-6. That would be the biggest need if goaltending improves with a new goalie coach/department and possibly an addition sooner. While acquiring a top-6 forward is near the top of the Oilers' list, it isn't an urgent need and will likely take some time.