The top ranked trade asset (Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders) has above-average speed but would require a handsome package to acquire. The Oilers are more likely to acquire a player who would cost fewer assets and who owns a lower contract number.

A goalie? A top defenceman? A winger? A centre? Two credible NHL insiders, former GMs Brian Lawton and Craig MacTavish, agree that the one area where the Oilers most have to pick up their play is on defence.

The Oilers have been linked to John Gibson in trade rumours this season, and now one NHL insider has confirmed what it will cost Edmonton to acquire him in a trade.

The Oilers have hit their stride after a bumpy start, but there's still room to add. What's on the list beyond defensive depth?

Although the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers are in very different circumstances, they could have similar needs before the NHL trade deadline.