The Edmonton Oilers made a strategic move ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring Anaheim Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. The deal, completed on Wednesday, involves a three-way collaboration with the Tampa Bay Lightning, resulting in the Oilers getting 75% of Henrique’s contract retained and 50% of Carrick’s taken care of. The savings in the deal leaves Oilers’ GM Ken Holland room to make another trade, something he intends to do before the trade deadline expires on Friday.

The Oilers managed to secure both Henrique and Carrick without parting with any roster players. The move not only strengthens their forward depth but it also offers a little bit of cap space to address another crucial area before the trade deadline – the team’s blue line. Holland is working the phones. He’s not sure he’ll get something done, but he’s trying, focused on a veteran defenseman who can play a No. 7 role.

Henrique, a pending unrestricted free agent with a $5.825 million cap hit, brings veteran leadership, playoff experience, and defensive prowess to the Oilers. He is a seasoned center, expected to enhance the Oilers’ offensive capabilities and contribute significantly to their defensive play. Meanwhile, Carrick adds depth with his offensive contributions and grit. People shouldn’t overlook what he can bring to the roster, with a relentless sense of drive and willingness to engage physically and on the forecheck.

The Oilers Are Looking Around for a Defenseman

The trade details include the Oilers sending a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025, which could improve to a fourth if Edmonton clinches the championship. Despite already utilizing their 2024 first-rounder, the Oilers remain active in the market, particularly targeting a depth defenseman. Reports suggest the team is exploring options without moving roster players. The idea is to add depth, not subtract anyone.

The Oilers’ current projected cap space, after accounting for the addition of Henrique and Carrick, provides flexibility for a potential annual cap hit of $1.16 million immediately or $1.22 million by the trade deadline on Friday. This additional financial room has heightened expectations that Ken Holland will continue to pursue defensive upgrades.

While specific targets have not been confirmed, Holland expressed interest in acquiring a veteran depth defenseman. Possible names on the trade bait board include Joel Edmundson, Alexandre Carrier, David Savard, and Adam Boqvist. In some cases, those deals will require a third team to get involved as was the case with the Anaheim trade. The Tampa Bay Lightning played the role of a third-party broker. if Holland can make that kind of deal again, one that includes potential salary retention by other teams, he could pull off something impactful.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Oilers’ strategic moves have positioned them not only as contenders in the Henrique and Carrick acquisition but also as active participants in the ongoing trade discussions, with a keen focus on strengthening their blue line for a deep playoff run.

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