New Options To Fix The Oilers Depth Emerge

The Edmonton Oilers are currently facing a challenging cap situation, requiring careful management to accommodate the salaries of Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod within the team. One key area of focus for the Oilers is securing a reliable 4th line center to strengthen their bottom-six lineup and boost their playoff potential.

Two players stand out as potential trade targets that could be an excellent fit for the Oilers:

Nic Dowd boasts a wealth of experience in the NHL, having played nine seasons and amassing 127 points in 436 games with the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and Vancouver Canucks. At 33 years old, Dowd's right-shot prowess and skillset make him an attractive option to fill the 4th-line center role.

With the ability to contribute 10-15 goals and reach nearly 30 points per season, Dowd could provide the Oilers with the offensive depth they need. He is currently under contract for two more years at a reasonable annual salary of $1.3 million.

Jake Evans, a younger player at 27 years old, serves as the center for the Montreal Canadiens. In the previous season, he tallied 19 points in 54 games, indicating his potential to be a productive asset. Although he had collected 13 goals in the year before, an injury hindered his ability to replicate that success during the last season.

Despite the setback, Evans remains a promising option for the Oilers' 4th-line center position. Like Dowd, he is also under contract for two more years, with a salary of $1.7 million per year.

It is currently uncertain whether Montreal or Washington would be willing to part ways with either of these depth players through a trade. Nonetheless, Dowd and Evans represent solid choices to bolster the Oilers' center position and contribute to the team's success.

The Oilers' management will undoubtedly explore all available options and potential trades to secure the perfect addition to their roster and build a competitive bottom-six lineup capable of thriving in the playoffs.

Seen first on Hockey OTB - Two Center Options to Fix the Oilers Depth