Breaking News: Oilers Seriously Making Push For The Signature Of Key Player After Latest Win

The 2023-24 season has been quite eventful for the Edmonton Oilers. They took drastic measures by dismissing their coaching staff following a disappointing 3-9-1 start, and then traded Jack Campbell for Calvin Pickard due to Campbell’s poor performance. However, the team’s fortunes changed dramatically with a remarkable 16-game winning streak. Now, they are aiming to capitalize on this momentum by making significant moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff push. While they haven’t made any major trades yet, the Oilers are expected to become more active in the trade market, hoping to gain an advantage over other teams also seeking roster improvements.

Recent reports suggest that the Oilers are intensifying their efforts to acquire defenseman Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames. Tanev is highly coveted as a defensive asset, especially with teams prioritizing defensive depth for the playoffs. Despite the Flames showing signs of readiness to sell, they have already traded Elias Lindholm and possess several pending unrestricted free agents, indicating they may still have more moves to make. Tanev’s defensive prowess aligns perfectly with the Oilers’ needs, making him an ideal target. Although he might only be a short-term addition, the Oilers should be willing to pay the necessary price to secure his services.

Tanev, known for his effectiveness on the right side of the blue line, would complement the Oilers’ defensive lineup, which currently features Evan Bouchard, Cody Ceci, and Vincent Desharnais. While Bouchard has excelled offensively, Desharnais has notably improved defensively, but Ceci’s performance has been inconsistent. Bringing in Tanev would significantly enhance the Oilers’ defensive depth for the playoffs, despite him potentially being a rental player.

Defensive shortcomings have plagued the Oilers for multiple seasons, making it imperative for them to prioritize defensive reinforcements. While bolstering their forward group could also be beneficial, improving their defense should be the primary focus. Tanev is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit, and the Oilers have approximately $2.4 million in cap space at the deadline. They may need to part ways with some assets to accommodate Tanev’s salary, but given their available cap space, it shouldn’t be a significant obstacle.

Who is Chris Tanev?

Tanev, aged 34, became part of the Canucks during the 2010-11 season following an impressive performance in the NCAA with the Rochester Institution of Technology. During his time there, he amassed 10 goals and 18 assists, totaling 28 points in 41 games. His debut professional hockey season saw him dividing his time between the NHL and the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. While with the Moose, he recorded one goal and eight assists in 39 games, while contributing a single assist in 29 games with the Canucks.

In his AHL tenure, Tanev tallied three goals and 32 assists, totaling 35 points across 102 games, averaging 0.34 points per game. In the NHL, he has notched 32 goals and 151 assists, accumulating 183 points in 769 games, with an average of 0.24 points per game. Known for his defensive prowess, Tanev swiftly established himself as a dependable defender capable of handling substantial ice time and offering stability to his team.

Tanev’s defensive capabilities are evident, with him ranking second in blocked shots this season, registering 159 blocks. He trails the leader, Nick Seeler, by five blocks, despite Seeler playing four more games. Over his career, Tanev has amassed a total of 1604 blocked shots. His proficiency in the defensive zone is admirable, as he fearlessly carries the puck to initiate breakouts and consistently opts for simple plays to advance possession.

Given the trade package involving Lindholm as a potential indicator, acquiring Tanev could require a substantial investment from the Oilers. It might be prudent for them to negotiate an extension as part of the deal to secure Tanev’s services. While this could inflate the cost further, it’s a strategic move for the Oilers, especially considering the risk of overpaying due to the rivalry between the Oilers and the Flames. Paying a significant number of assets for a rental player isn’t advisable, making a contract extension a sensible consideration.

What’s Next for the Oilers?

The Oilers are coming off a significant triumph against the Dallas Stars last Saturday (Feb. 17), securing a 4-3 overtime win. They’re set to hit the ice again on Monday (Feb. 19) for an afternoon clash against the Arizona Coyotes.

With fingers crossed, the Oilers aim to navigate this season strategically. Acquiring Mattias Ekholm before last season’s trade deadline proved immensely beneficial, bolstering the team’s performance. If they manage to bring in Tanev, his potential impact could be substantial, potentially serving as a game-changer in the Oilers’ quest to clinch their first Stanley Cup since 1990.