March 9, 2022 by Spencer Pomoty

Through 56 games, it’s clear that the Edmonton Oilers need help on the back end to go on any type of a playoff run in 2022.

On the surface, acquiring a right-shot defenceman with quality two-way skills should be their priority at trade deadline this year. The goaltending market doesn’t offer much of an upgrade over what we already have. Looking at TSN’s Trade Bait List, there are four players that would be realistic trade options to fill the hole on the Oilers’ right side.

All stats used are via evolving-hockey.com.

Damon Severson, New Jersey Devils

Damon Severson is at the top of my list. At age 27, Severson is a little out of the range of the New Jersey Devils’ young core, but he would be the perfect fit on the Oilers blueline though. Severson performed well throughout his career on weaker teams than the Oilers.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound defender has good size and provides excellent value at both ends of the rink. He has seven goals and 31 points in 54 games this season, while logging more than 23 minutes per game. Severson carries a $4.2 million cap hit through 2022-23.

I would be willing to send the Devils a first-round pick and a prospect for Severson. This trade would probably mark the end of Tyson Barrie as an Oiler, because I don’t see New Jersey wanting the offensive-minded righty, so another deal would most likely have to take place.

General Manager Ken Holland should ideally be looking for a defenceman with more upside. However, his contract is attractive, and he offers the Oilers another solid, veteran top-four defender.

Scott Mayfield, New York Islanders

Scott Mayfield didn’t land on the TSN Trade Bait List, but he makes sense as a potential target as well. The New York Islanders have had a terrible year, and might look to retool. So, trading Mayfield would get them a decent return in my mind.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defender has an enormous frame, but his numbers are down this season. Still, his main focus is shutting down the other team, and that’s an asset the Oilers desperately need.

Like Severson, Mayfield is under contract next season at only $1.45 million. That’s an extremely valuable contract on a team with cap problems like Edmonton. He would slot right into the top-four here, and surely handle big minutes on the penalty kill.

The Islanders are have dealt with scoring troubles this season, so perhaps Barrie is a player they would covet?

Justin Braun, Philadelphia Flyers

It’s been another dreadful season for the Philadelphia Flyers, who will likely be sellers at the trade deadline. Justin Braun is 35, has a $1.8 million cap hit and can become a UFA in the off-season.

Braun plays a defence-first style and logs just over 20 minutes per night, including plenty of time on the penalty kill. He also wouldn’t cost as much to acquire as some of the other defenders on the trade market.

Despite the Flyers struggles, Braun has been one of their better defenders. Braun has registered positive defensive numbers on a team with a minus-53 goal differential.

Braun would be a good and cheap addition, and probably a player Holland would strongly consider bringing in.

Mark Pysyk, Buffalo Sabres

Mark Pysyk is another defensive defenceman who would be a good fit on the Oilers. Pysyk only makes $900,000 this year, and will come off the books in the summer.

With the Buffalo Sabres still rebuilding, it makes sense that they might look to move him for futures. The 30-year-old Edmonton native plays roughly 18 minutes per game, rarely takes penalties, and is reliable on the penalty kill.

Unlike the other four defenders listed, I don’t think Pysyk could handle the tougher match-ups, but he’s trustworthy against lines two through four. Like Braun, Pysyk will be a cheaper option and fits under the cap easier than Severson would. I expect Holland will at least make a call on the asking price for him.

Overview

These are the four defenceman I would target going into the trade deadline. Holland’s historical record as a manager shows us that it’s unlikely he pulls off a trade for Severson.

However, the other three options seem more up Holland’s alley. And while I believe they should pursue Severson, the cheaper options of Mayfield, Braun, and Pysyk would still make the Oilers a better team.

Twitter: @SPProspects