Edmonton Oilers need to start addressing defensive depth

The Edmonton Oilers made headlines on Monday when they signed veteran forward Corey Perry for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. The 38-year-old will provide depth on the Oilers’ wing and a plethora of experience, having won nearly everything someone can win in hockey.

But if the Oilers, who have won 13 straight and currently sit third in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division with a 26-15-1 record, want to be a Stanley Cup contender, they may need to add some pieces to strengthen their depth for a long playoff run.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen discuss what the Oilers’ next move may be, and how they can improve their blue line.

Tyler Yaremchuk: What will be the Oilers’ next move? Is it moving Jack Campbell and getting a goalie? Is it a third-line center? Is it an upgrade on the blue line?

Colby Cohen: I’d like to see them add a little bit to their defensive core. When you bring in a guy like Perry, that’s a little bit of that depth in the bottom of your lineup.

But at the end of the day, I don’t trust defenseman Vincent Desharnais. I just don’t. I watch more Oilers hockey than ever before. When push comes to shove adn the playoffs start, I do not trust him back there. I don’t trust his decision-making or consistency, so I’d like to see them pick up a little depth for that D-core.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I think for me, it’s that third-line center spot. If you’re in for a penny with Perry, you’re in for a pound. Why not go out there and find someone who can push your depth further down the lineup?

You can watch the rest of the segment and the full episode here…