What Does Ken Holland Need To Do?

As you watch this afternoons game vs Florida look long and hard (HAH) at this team and ask yourself. What do they need to get into the playoffs and make some sort of run? I think the obvious answer is Connor McDavid but what does Ken Holland need to get in order to take them to the next level.

TRADE DEADLINE HISTORY.

The trade deadline has always been a sour spot with me as an Oiler fan because they are always out of it by the time it rolls around and we are often sellers. Since 2010 the Oilers have been buyers one time and they really didn't do anything with it. The year was 2017 and the Oilers were battling it out for tops in the Pacific (Sound familiar?) The Oilers needed a couple things. Defensive depth and a guy who can play on the 3rd line. All of this is really familiar isn't it? What did old Petey boy do? Acquired David Desharnais for Brandon Davidson. Getting a guy who can play on the 3rd line? CHECK! Getting rid of defensive depth? CHECK! Ken Holland can not do that this time around.

WHO IS UP FOR GRABS

Here is who could be on the move from the Oilers perspective...

Jesse Puljujarvi

Adam Larsson

Kris Russell

Jujhar Khaira

2020 1st Rd Pick

WHAT I THINK SHOULD HAPPEN.

This years deadline is February 24th and the Oilers could be very busy! Let's look at the obvious players. Guys like JG Pageau, Chris Kreider and Tyler Toffoli could all be great answers to our lack of secondary scoring. That being said those teams will want a big haul for them. IMO that 1st round pick of ours should be on the move if you want to find the right player. Before you go and say OH WELL WHY WOULD THEY TRADE THAT??!?! WHAT IF THEY DON'T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!?! I get that argument but wouldn't trading the 1st rounder for a guy who could most definitely play with McDavid be a good thing? I say move the pick and something for some real help on the top line. Next, maybe moving one of the expensive defensmen could help. Now look, I know moving a d-man right now doesnt make sense because don't we need help in that department? Yes and no. Lets say you move Adam Larsson at the deadline. Here is what it would look like...

Klefbom - Jones

Bear - Nurse

Russell - Benning.

Lagesson/Bouchard/Persson

You know that isn't all that bad considering what we could get back for Larsson. Guys like Ilya Kovalchuk, Kasperi Kapanen or Thomas Tatar would all be helpful in our top 6. Heck maybe we get a d-man back in a trade for Larsson too. Jonas Brodin's name has been thrown around. Jeff Petry, MEMBER HIM?? Also a guy like Erik Gustafsson from Chicago. He might be unlikely as the Hawks are looking for another run to the Playoffs. Also this all depends on cap room which the Oilers do not have a lot of so keep in mind that money needs to be moving out in order for these to work.

All in all I am excited for this years deadline because there are some options for the Oil!

What do you want to happen??