TRANSFER: Oilers Set To Sign Veteran Defenseman To Make Up For Lost Players

The Edmonton Oilers are actively seeking to strengthen their defense following the departures of Philip Broberg and Cody Ceci, according to reports from Oilers insiders Bob Stauffer and Dustin Nielson. Stauffer mentioned on the “What Chaos!” podcast on August 21 that the team is likely considering adding another puck-moving defenseman, preferably a right-shot, to fill the gaps left by Broberg and Ceci. “It wouldn’t surprise me if the Oilers are internally discussing whether they need one more potential puck mover—likely a right shot—though it’s unclear if they’ll act on it,” Stauffer said via OilerAlert on X. Meanwhile, TSN 1260’s Dustin Nielson reported that Edmonton has already been in talks with former Oiler Tyson Barrie, possibly for a professional tryout (PTO) during the upcoming training camp. “The Oilers are keeping all options open for PTOs but have already spoken with Tyson Barrie,” Nielson wrote on X, questioning if Barrie, loved in the locker room, fits well with the current defensive lineup. Barrie, 33, had a lackluster season with the Nashville Predators but is known for his offensive skills and familiarity with the Oilers. He has accumulated 505 points in 809 regular-season games and 21 points in 47 playoff appearances over seven postseasons. The Oilers lost Broberg after the St. Louis Blues submitted an offer sheet that Edmonton chose not to match, and Ceci was subsequently traded to the San Jose Sharks, leaving the Oilers’ right defense side thin. With just under $1 million in cap space left, as reported by PuckPedia, the Oilers have limited flexibility to make further roster moves this season.