Several reports have surfaced in recent weeks on the front office and their attempt to add help. Jim Parsons of The Hockey Writers has suggested re-signing Eric Gryba, despite the 28-year-old not being an upgrade on the talent already with the team, he would be a good short-term solution, especially with knowing the system and players already on the team.
Another answer has come from Mark Easson who has suggested a possibly trade with Anaheim to acquire Cam Fowler. The Ducks are loaded on the defensive end of the ice and could use a little scoring punch on the front line. A deal between the two sides could help both franchises heading into the 2016-17 hockey season.
The 25-year-old is a terrific solution for several reasons. First, his age makes the former first round draft pick a long-term answer for the Oilers and with the team struggling to lure big-name NHL free agents, it allows management to trade a strength of the team to fill a weakness. Adding the young defender would also generate some excitement with the fans, a move that would help fill seats in Edmonton and generate some good publicity, especially considering this could make the squad a top-8 contender in the Western Conference.
Fowler would also give the team a solid point man on the power play, giving them a terrific two-way player that could eventually become one of the leaders of this team, both on and off the ice.
With the free agent market nearly bare, a trade is managements best option at this point. Adding the youngster would be a great move, even if it costs some depth on the front line and a trade that would definitely have this team moving in the right direction.