NHL rumors: Insiders list 3 notable defensemen linked to Edmonton Oilers

There has been plenty of speculation about the Edmonton Oilers looking to bolster their defense corps. NHL analyst Mark Easson looked at some insiders’ potential trade targets for Edmonton.

Easson highlighted three notable defensemen linked to the Oilers in recent NHL rumors and speculation.

First is veteran Kevin Shattenkirk, who remains an unrestricted free agent.

"Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston have noted that the Oilers have spoken with Kevin Shattenkirk‘s agent,” Easson wrote on NHLRumors.com.

According to reports, the Oilers have already spoken to Shattenkirk's agent as they consider signing the 35-year-old. Shattenkirk has played over 900 NHL games and could provide experience and offensive production from the blue line.

Another rumored target, per Easson, is Mark Giordano. At 41 years old, Giordano is currently an unrestricted free agent and last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Timothy Liljenborn from the Maple Leafs is another player in the mix, according to Easson. Liljegren is an intriguing young option who has been rumored to be available in trade talks. The cost would likely be draft picks rather than signing an older free agent.

Insiders also noted that the Oilers will have more options if they wait till the trade deadline.

In the Edmonton Journal, columnist Kurt Leavins also discussed the Oilers' defensive needs. While noting the Shattenkirk rumors, Leavins pointed out the Oilers had offered PTOs to defenseman Justin Schultz, but he declined wanting an NHL contract.

He also suggested the Oilers target fellow free agent Schultz over Shattenkirk.

Edmonton Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch on slow start of the season

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch spoke to reporters after the team's 4-2 victory against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, marking their second win following an initial 0-3 season start.

Knoblauch acknowledged the Oilers' slow start to the season, saying:

"We obviously got off to a slow start and we're trying to get our game back."

Talking about the early struggles, the coach said training camp did not go as well as hoped and that the team had to adjust to personnel changes.

He also mentioned that the Oilers might have been overly fixated on their last year's performance in playoffs and anticipating this year's postseason without staying fully engaged in the present.

The coach felt happy about the team's enhanced concentration and gameplay in the recent victories.

The Oilers' next test comes against the 4-1-0 Dallas Stars, a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Final.