The Edmonton Oilers are already dealing with a ton of injuries this year. They are without five forwards so far, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who is on IR.
As the Oilers work through the opening part of the season, they may be interested in adding some forward depth, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
“Edmonton, there is a lot of D and some forward injuries. They have a lateral trade, is the phrase I've heard. Maybe a defenseman for a forward. Their forwards are not out long-term, so it's not like they're panicked to do it, but if there is a lateral D-for-forward move with their depth players, they will look at it,” Friedman said.
Beyond Nugent-Hopkins, Matthew Savoie is on long-term IR. Meanwhile, Jason Dickinson and Mattias Janmark are both on regular IR, while Zach Hyman could be moving to the IR. The team has already had to call up Max Jones and Josh Samanski from the AHL in order to fill out their forward group.
Article Continues BelowThe team currently has $1.76 million of cap space, but with Savoie, along with Frederik Andersen and Alec Regula on long-term IR, there is some flexibility for the team.
The Oilers are 2-0-1 on the year. The Oilers took an overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks to open the season, falling 6-5. They then defeated the Canucks 9-7 in a wild second game of the year. Their most recent game was a 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. At 5.67 goals per game, the Oilers are currently third in the NHL. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, who are in front of the Oilers, have also played just two games.
The Oilers return to the ice on Wednesday night, visiting the Anaheim Ducks to open a three-game road trip.