The Edmonton Oilers advanced farther last season than they had since their legendary run to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final, working their way all the way to the Western Conference Final where they would eventually be felled by the soon-to-be champion Colorado Avalanche in a four game sweep.
However, much like the 2006 postseason, Oilers fans won't forget the incredible journey their team took in the process, overcoming a 3-2 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings en route to taking down their despised provincial rival Calgary Flames in a high-octane, high offense clash.
And with the Oilers heating up right at the ideal time of the season, will general manager Ken Holland be active at next month's NHL Trade Deadline in an effort to put his team over the top?
“Whether it's forwards or defence, it’s my job to be aware of who is available and eventually what the price might be,” Oilers general manager Ken Holland said Wednesday on the Got Yer Back podcast with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, Mike Johnson and TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
“[Regardless] of names, we’re dollar in, dollar out, so [if] we start bringing in people with big cap numbers, we’re going to have to do some real gymnastics here to move people out. When you’re in a LTI situation like we are, it’s much more difficult at the trade deadline.
“I would like to do something. Am I convinced I will do something? I don’t know.”
Of course, the Oilers are going to the trying to do anything and everything possible to keep superstar forward and captain Connor McDavid, who is posting otherworldly stats, happy in the city of Edmonton. Does Holland have a move up his sleeve?
“The market has to show itself,” said Holland. “I think early on, if you’re two-three weeks in advance of the deadline, if you’re a seller, you ask for a high price. And as you start to get near the deadline, you find the price points.”
Right now, the Oilers hold one of the two Wild Card postseason spots in the Western Conference.
