Something to keep in focus during this time, these are mostly all only teams potentially interested in making a move. It does not mean there is a move to make. Enough said, in today's earlier blog we covered potential Goaltenders the Oilers could consider, but what is happening with Defencemen in the world of speculation and rumours? Is there any legitimate rumours or interest or is most of this all smoke and mirrors and people having fun making things up?
Lets take a closer look into D-men that may be purely speculation and or legitimate guys the Oilers are considering bringing to Edmonton in the very near future.
The following are speculated to be considered being traded for or coming to Edmonton;
Braydon Coburn (Age 28, 6'5, 220 lbs)
While I write this, the rumours are going crazy the Oilers are going strong after him. I would think there are some legs to this one and it is possible it could happen by the end of the night as long as it is not for the #7 pick tonight. If it includes a deal for Braydon with a 1st round it will be pushed to the Oilers know who they have available at the #7 slot tomorrow. I like this move for the right price but would be very upset if we lose chance at Monahan or Nichuskin and have Coburn and a later pick like Horvat or Lazar. Like those players but they are not the same quality player. This is a big player who can do some damage to opposing teams forwards who like to crash and bang.
Jake Gardiner (Age 22, 6'2, 184 lbs)
jake has been mentioned in several different options and 1 being the trading of 1st round picks between the Leafs and Oilers. The Oilers may like Jake but not to fall that far back in the 1st round. Jake would be a great addition but not at the expense being considered. Doubt there is any movement to this any longer but still makes good for interesting conversation.
Kris Letang (Age 26, 6'0, 201 lbs)
The best player potentially the Oilers could pick up. Guys like this do not come available very often. Problem? High $ to pay for a top #1 D-man. Is he worth it? He is IMO but let's face it, his numbers points total would not be much different then they were with the Pens as Oilers do have high end skill. This is a PPG player and they are rare. Don't be fooled by the fact he gets points cause he is in Pittsburgh. This guy makes many plays on his own. I would trade the house for him (almost) if we were able to extend his contract signing first). Untouchables for me would be J.Schultz, Hall, Yakupov and RNH.
Dion Phaneuf (Age 28, 6'3, 214 lbs)
Another trade rumour that involves Gagner but the loss in that trade without Dion being re-signed is substantial and could he handle being a local boy under scrutiny? His next contract he won't want a hometown discount so I doubt it's a match but regardless as a player, I do like him in second pairing. This is purely speculation to me cause TO has mentioned the want to replace Bozak but let's face it, they are going hard after a Big Center in the UFA market who was just bought out and I would not doubt if they promised #1 Center position to a certain newly bought out sought after UFA Center.
Fedor Tyutin (Age 29, 6'2, 216 lbs)
I really like his size and his puck movement, if the Oilers were able to land him, he could fill in nicely on that second pairing.
Johnny Boychuck (Age 29 , 6'2 , 225 lbs)
Rumours are abound that Johnny could be had for the right price. With d-men coming up in the system it is possible they are hoping to unload some salary and he was slated to return back to Edmonton last time when he was a UFA upcoming but Bruins convinced him to stay on. I am sure he made the right choice but Johnny loves Edmonton, grew up loving the Oilers and his family is here. Not sure there is a match for what Bruins want but this speculation could have some feet as a possibility at least.
Wade Redden (Age 36, 6'2 , 205 lbs)
The Oilers Kevin Lowe wanted him years back out of Ottawa but Truth is Redden wanted nothing to do with us back then. I say why bring him back now as a depth d-man if he didn't like us then why should we take a chance on him now. I know petty of me huh?
Rob Scuderi (Age 34, 6'1, 216 lbs)
I know his age is against him but I have always loved the way Rob plays the game. Would be great for a second line pairing tops or in our bottom 5 or 6 role. A 2 year deal would be fair to me if you can convince him of the potential and he would sign with 2.5 million range. I highly doubt it and suspect he goes back east.
Jonathan Blum (Age 24, 6'1 , 186 lbs)
This player is sought after by the Oilers if you read the rumours the past couple years. While he would be a interesting player, he has no real size like fans and coaches say this team needs. Not a upgrade IMO.
Keith Yandle (Age 26, 6'1, 190 lbs)
A top pairing d-man that we could use now. Problem? Can we afford to pry him out of his organization without giving up too much to get him. I don't think we want to give what the Coyotes will want in return. I think there is talk but it ends quickly when the Oilers top players are brought into the equation.
Zach Bogosian (Age 22 , 6'3, 215 lbs)
Ron Hainsey (Age 32, 6'3, 210 lbs)
Another older but good experienced player who can handle the minutes. He is a bigger player who can handle himself well. Never been considered All-Star quality but could be a good stop gap until the prospects are matured enough.
Tyler Myers (Age 23, 6'8 , 227 lbs)
A enormous player who has taken a fall for the worse. Maybe it was the pressure , maybe the injuries but regardless he has fallen lots. Carries a high price tag but you have to take risks sometimes but question is would he be worth the risk? It will take a lot to pry him out of Buffalo. No? Maybe not.
Jack Johnson (Age 26, 6'1 , 231 lbs)
I like this player more then most and would love to find a way to land him. He is a beast on the ice and not easy to move. He makes some mistakes but is still fairly young and growing into his game. I think he can be had with CBJ but only time will tell.
All in all there may be other potential rumours or speculation to come but this covers the majority of players that are available. The following is my order of preference if we were to land a player (excluding how much they make or would cost to get)
1. Kris Letang (all I require in this trade is to see a extension)
2, Keith Yandle (as long as RNH,Hall,Eberle,Yakupov,J.Schultz and Klefbom are not included)
3, Braydon Coburn (could potentially be done or done as soon as tomorrow at the latest.)
4. Tyler Myers (Doubt the Oilers want to do this with the $ and risk factor)
5. Fedor Tyutin (Could be a possibility. Give it a 30% chance)
6. Jake Gardiner (Highly unlikely now but where there is smoke there is fire sometimes)
7. Ron Hainsey (Have not heard much interest directly from management)
8. Dion Phaneuf (don't think many fans like this or Dion but would fit well but not sure of attitude)
9. Johnny Boychuck (Like the potential possibility if the Oilers got him for right price)
10. Rob Scuderi (Highly unlikely as may want to return to play in the east)
11. Jonathan Blum (Not sure how MacT feels but Tamby loved this guy)
12. Wade Redden (I don't think there is any interest and Oilers would consider if in playoff race)
NEXT POST TOMORROW AM:
Nathan MacKinnon
Jonathan Drouin
Seth Jones
Sasha Barkov
Darnell Nurse
Sean Monahan
Valeri Nichushkin 
Elias Lindholm
Hunter Shinkaruk
Rasmus Ristolainen 
Nikita Zadorov
Curtis Lazar
Max Domi
Bo Horvat
Ryan Pulock
Alexander Wennberg
Valentin Zykov
Kerby Rychel
Mirco Mueller
Adam Erne
Josh Morrissey
Nicolas Petan
