Oilers shift focus away from Karlsson to Canadiens, Predators defencemen

There's no question that the Edmonton Oilers would like to add a defenceman before the NHL's trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Friday. The name they've been linked to the most, Erik Karlsson, seems unlikely at this point due to the high cost and cap implications, so Oilers general manager Ken Holland has shifted his focus elsewhere.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Edmonton Oilers have had discussions with the Nashville Predators about Mattias Ekholm. Dreger also added that Edmonton has continued to discuss a potential trade with the Montreal Canadiens for Joel Edmundson.

It appears that Edmonton wants to add a defenceman with term, as opposed to going down the rental route. Edmundson has one year remaining on his deal with an AAV of $3.5 million, while Ekholm has three years left on his contract beyond this season with an AAV of $6.25 million.

Edmundson, 29, has been limited to 39 games this season due to injuries and hasn't played since January 26th against the Detroit Red Wings. The good news for teams looking to acquire the Brandon (Manitoba) native is that he has joined the Canadiens for their California road trip and will more than likely return before the deadline. In those 39 games, Edmundson's put up six points, 39 penalty minutes and is a minus-21.

Ekholm, 32, signed a four-year extension with the Predators just after the start of the 2021-22 season, which eliminated the possibility of him leaving Nashville as a free agent last summer. He's been very serviceable during his time in Nashville and played a big role in helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. In 57 games this season, the Borlange (Sweden) native has 18 points (five goals, 13 assists), 24 penalty minutes and has an even-rating.

Who do you think would be a better addition to the Edmonton Oilers lineup, Joel Edmundson or Mattias Ekholm? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!

And, among the other options, I'm told the Oilers and Canadiens continue to discuss a trade involving Joel Edmundson. https://t.co/rfvBGKeYo4— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 27, 2023

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