Trade Now or Trust Current Defense? Oilers GM Clears The Air Regarding The Blue Line Debate.
The Edmonton Oilers are facing questions about whether they need to make a trade to upgrade their defense, as they currently lack a proven top-four defenseman. While Ty Emberson appears to be the front-runner to fill that role, there’s debate about whether the team should act now or wait until after Christmas to assess their situation.
On the *Got Yer’ Back* podcast, hosts had differing opinions. Jason Strudwick and Rob Brown felt the Oilers should stick with their current lineup, with Brown emphasizing that there’s no urgency. However, Ryan Rishaug was concerned that Darnell Nurse might not succeed without a proven top-four defensive partner.
Currently, Emberson, Josh Brown, Troy Stecher, and Travis Dermott are competing for spots on the Oilers’ blue line. Head coach Kris Knoblauch stated that he’s not necessarily searching for Nurse’s partner during camp but rather players who deserve a spot on the team. Once the team is set, pairings will be decided.
Rishaug pointed out that Nurse, recovering from an injury, may struggle if not paired with the right partner, while Brown countered that Nurse, given his $9.25 million per year contract, should be capable of elevating his partner’s performance. Additionally, trading Cody Ceci could relieve the pressure surrounding the Nurse-Ceci pairing, which many fans oppose.
Emberson is currently being tested alongside Nurse, and though his NHL experience is limited, his underlying stats from his time with the struggling San Jose Sharks are promising. Insiders suggest the top-four spot is his to lose.
There’s also talk about potentially bringing in a player on a professional tryout (PTO), with Rishaug mentioning Justin Schultz. However, Strudwick argued that any addition should be a clear upgrade, and Schultz might not be enough of an improvement over Emberson. He recommended that the Oilers first assess Emberson’s performance before making any moves.
Additionally, Josh Brown, signed to a three-year deal in free agency, is expected to play a role this season, adding another layer to the Oilers’ defensive options.
