The Edmonton Oilers need a goalie, the Minnesota Wild need a defenseman - can they make a deal?

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oilers keep winning no matter what team flies through town. Smack dab in the middle of the Oilers winning streak is the topic of goaltenders.

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Stuart Skinner has been lights-out phenomenal and Calvin Pickard has served his calling as a back up. Will that be enough to keep the team in the playoff picture? Definitely. Is that enough to win a Stanley Cup? That isn't as certain.

The Minnesota Wild will be without Jared Spurgeon for the rest of the season. That leaves the team with Brock Faber, Zach Bogosian and Dakota Mermis as their right-handed defensemen.

Could the Oilers and Wild Strike a Deal?

The Oilers and Wild have not been consistent trading partners with each other during Ken Holland's tenure - however Holland did strike a deal with Wild GM Bill Guerin during the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

The two teams could be dance partners in the sense that they both need to make a deal, and the other team has what they are looking for. The Oilers need a veteran goaltender to help manage the significant number of back-to-back games that the team has in the back half of the season.

Conversely, the Wild are thin on the right side and need to add another defender to the mix. That's why I believe that a Cody Ceci for Marc-Andre Fleury trade should be explored by both teams.

Wild Need Another Right-Shot Defenseman

Spurgeon's injury is a massive loss for the Wild - one that won't be resolved easily. Faber has been stellar in his elevated role - as a rookie.

While he has been a pleasant surprise the Wild need to bolster their right side if they want a hope and a prayer of making the post season.

On the flip side, Ceci has performed admirably for the Oilers. The incredible part of Vincent Desharnais suggests that he may be ready for an increased role with the team. Ceci can play top four minutes (20:08 TOI this season) and strikes about even (50.98 CF% & 51.72 GF%) when it comes to shot attempts and goal share for and against. He doesn't have elite puck skills, but he can get the job done and assist with zone exits.

Oilers Need a Veteran Goalie

Skinner and Pickard have been a solid tandem for the team. Pickard has done well whenever he has been called upon - but the team would take on a bit of risk to rely on him (or the resurgence of Jack Campbell) to assist Skinner in the post season.

Fleury is a great personality, great in the room, and still has gas in the tank. He's been keeping the Wild afloat. But as they drift further and further away from a playoff position, Guerin should consider dealing Fleury to a contending team.

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