Ranking the Players the Edmonton Oilers Should Covet at the Trade Deadline

In a perfect world for Edmonton Oilers fans, the March 2 trade deadline would serve as an opportunity to add a few pieces in the hopes of making a deep playoff run. The world is not perfect, so that won't be happening. There may be some opportunities to add a few players who will help the club significantly moving forward, however.

The organization has to upgrade in all areas, which means that general manager Craig MacTavish needs to be an active listener to any and all GMs prior to the deadline.

There are untouchables out there such as Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Steven Stamkos who won't be going anywhere, but let's rank the players who may be available to covet.

5. Brett Ritchie

Sharon Ellman/Associated Press

Brett Ritchie, Right Wing, Dallas Stars

Age: 21

Cap Hit: $457,000

At 6'4" and well over 200 pounds, Brett Ritchie's size is well-suited to the rigours of the Western Conference. The former OHL star also has a good set of mitts, as he has 66 points in 92 AHL games with the Texas Stars.

Ritchie has all the tools to be an impact top-six winger, although in Edmonton, he'd likely be a third-line winger for the next few seasons. The team continues to be dominated by bigger clubs. Ritchie would help in that department in the here and now.

Bleacher Report's Allan Mitchell ranks him as the top NHL prospect likely to be moved at the deadline. With the number of young defenders the Oilers could offer in return, this would be a good move for Edmonton if it's possible.

4. Chris Stewart

USA TODAY Sports

Chris Stewart, Right Wing, Buffalo Sabres

Age: 27

Cap Hit: $4.15 million

Christ Stewart is another big forward with good skill. The difference is that he's proved it at the NHL level. He has 124 goals and 250 points in his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues and the Buffalo Sabres.

Stewart is built to play in the hard-nosed Western Conference where big, skilled players dominate play in most games.

Stewart also has 506 career penalty minutes. The Oilers have too few forwards who can offer his physical style of play combined with a good scoring touch.

3. Jordan Staal

Elsa/Getty Images

Jordan Staal, Centre, Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 26

Cap Hit: $6.0 million

Jordan Staal is not going to win any scoring titles in the NHL, but the Oilers wouldn't need him to do that. At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Staal would add great size up the middle, and he has the kind of game that could make life uncomfortable for opposing Western Conference centres.

Staal hasn't had more than 50 points in an NHL regular season, but as the Oilers' second- or third-line centre, 40-50 points per season would be all that is needed. With the expected emergence of Leon Draisaitl over the next few seasons, Staal could then be used in more of a supporting role.

Staal's contract isn't very attractive, but what he offers isn't easy to find.

2. Keith Yandle

USA TODAY Sports

Keith Yandle, Defenceman, Arizona Coyotes

Age: 28

Cap Hit: $5.25 million

Keith Yandle is one of the better offensive defencemen in the league who doesn't get nearly the press he deserves. He's mobile and a skilled puck-mover. He's also built for the quick-strike transition game that most teams want to play.

Yandle has spent his entire career with the Coyotes organization. This explains part of the reason why he is relatively unknown. His 310 career points in 555 games demonstrates his offensive upside.

He'd immediately become the best defenceman on the Oilers roster. Upgrading the defence corps with some talented veterans needs to be a priority while the younger prospects continue to mature.

1. Cam Ward

USA TODAY Sports

Cam Ward, Goaltender, Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 30

Cap Hit: $6.3 million

Cam Ward would be a significant upgrade in goal if acquired by the Oilers. Goaltending has been an issue for multiple seasons. The team's defensive play is not good on the whole, but a lot of it could be remedied with a true No. 1 netminder.

Ward has a .913 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average. Anything close to those numbers in Edmonton would translate into a number of additional wins. 

The Carolina netminder has a no-trade clause, so he'd need to waive that to come to Edmonton. It would have an immediate impact in a city starving to have a competitive team once again.

All player stats are from HockeyDB.com. All salary information is from NHLNumbers.com.