Oilers Insider names two big names as ideal second pairs of defensive ends

The Edmonton Oilers’ search for defense help has been relatively quiet since Bob Stauffer revealed their shift in plans ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. However, with the Olympics nearing their end and the roster freeze lifting shortly thereafter, names will once again start circulating as potential targets for GM Stan Bowman to upgrade his blue line.

With the majority of Edmonton’s key contributors on the back end being left-handed – aside from Evan Bouchard – it stands to reason that the Oilers’ priority will be on adding to the right side. With that in mind, insider Jason Gregor brought up numerous defensemen who could make sense to target, highlighting Colton Parayko and MacKenzie Weegar as options that stand out.

Gregor wrote:

“Oilers main priority heading into the deadline has to be a 2nd pair RD. A 3C would be nice, but I think the 2RD is a bigger priority now. Colton Parayko would be ideal, but I’m not sure Blues will move him, and making cap work would be difficult. Same as Weegar. Other possible options: Connor Murphy, Rasmus Ristolainen, Jamie Oleksiak, Johnathan Kovacevic, Zach Whitecloud, Artyum Zub,”

Parayko, 32, is in year four of the eight-year, $52 million extension he signed with the Blues in 2021, while Weegar, also 32, is in the third season of the eight-year, $50 million deal he signed to extend with the Flames shortly after arriving via trade from Florida in 2022.

Could the Oilers land Colton Parayko or MacKenzie Weegar?

As Gregor notes, it will be difficult to pry either player away from their respective teams as they navigate the salary cap. That said, if Edmonton really plans on landing a Mattias Ekholm-like defender on the right side of their blueline, these are the types of players that fit the description.

Parayko hasn’t had a stellar performance for Team Canada at the Olympics, which might lead GM Doug Armstrong to lower his usually sky-high asking price for the veteran. On the other hand, Weegar’s numbers haven’t been pretty this season either, although a lot of that can be attributed to playing on a Calgary team that is ranked fourth in the NHL.

If Bowman had the choice, Weegar would probably be the more attractive signing, given that he brings a combination of versatility – able to play on both sides – physicality and some attacking skills, as has been shown in previous seasons. Parayko doesn’t bring the same power or edge as Weegar to his game, but his defensive skills and Stanley Cup pedigree also make him an attractive option.

Either way, the Oilers will face plenty of obstacles to getting that kind of deal done: acquisition costs, capital space, relationship with Armstrong and the potential “Battle of Alberta” tax. However, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl playing as well as they ever have in the hunt for a Stanley Cup, now is the time to at least explore all possible avenues to make such a move.

Next: As oil companies, senators and others seek defensive help, Insider lists the options available