The April 3rd trade deadline is fast approaching, and Edmonton is going to need something to keep that streak going if they want to get back in the playoff race.
According to the Edmonton Journal, however, that something won't come in the form of a big trade. While Oilers GM Steve Tambellini isn't opposed to making moves, he won't sacrifice the team's youth.
"Whether you're in the playoffs or not, if you can upgrade your team or improve it, we'll do that, but most of the people here are the people we're going to be counting on for some time," Tambellini told the paper. "You're not going to give up youth just for a quick fix there, that's for sure."
Tambellini still has faith that the team can make a playoff run, and believes that we will see increased offensive production from Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
If Tambellini does make moves, he will likely add some size to his top-six forwards. It has been rumored for some time that the Oilers will move Ryan Whitney before the deadline. The veteran defenseman has been more productive lately, and in turn, may see a little more interest.
"If we can get something that will help us without totally destroying the core of young players we're going to grow and win with for a long time, of course we'll look at it," Tabellini said. "But it has to make sense."
Playoff run or no playoff run, Edmonton's youth isn't going anywhere.
