That distinction matters. Edmonton needs someone who can contribute now and remain useful when injured players return. The challenge is deciding which defenceman can secure that forward without creating another hole.<\/p>\n
Of Ty Emberson, Spencer Stastney and Shakir Mukhamadullin, Emberson arguably offers the strongest combination of established NHL utility and positional demand. A team seeking a dependable right-shot defenceman could value him more than Edmonton\u2019s other available depth options.<\/p>\n
![\"Ty](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Ty-Emberson-Oilers-1200x960.jpg\")
Ty Emberson, Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Leila Devlin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
That is a trade-value assessment, rather than a reported asking price. Nevertheless, right-side depth gives the Oilers a potentially useful bargaining chip, particularly with a club that has extra forwards but needs someone capable of stepping directly into its defensive rotation.<\/p>\n
The problem is that Emberson\u2019s strong performance against<\/a> the Seattle Kraken on Saturday reinforced the argument for keeping him. He helped Edmonton deliver a much more controlled defensive effort, showing why moving him simply because he could generate the best offer would be questionable.<\/p>\n A lateral trade must improve the overall roster. Replacing a useful defenceman with an interchangeable fourth-line forward would not necessarily accomplish that. Emberson should only enter serious discussions if the return provides a clear upgrade in an area Edmonton cannot adequately address internally.<\/p>\n Stastney Is Easier to Move, but the Return Could Be Limited<\/p>\n Stastney appears to be the more straightforward trade candidate<\/a>. Edmonton\u2019s crowded defence makes it difficult to provide consistent opportunities for every player, and moving someone outside the regular lineup would carry less immediate disruption.<\/p>\n The Oilers acquired Stastney from the Nashville Predators for a third-round pick last December. That investment provides context, but it does not establish what another team would surrender today. His current role, the acquiring club\u2019s needs and available alternatives would determine his market.<\/p>\n His mobility could interest a team needing depth on the left side. However, Stastney might not command enough to bring back a forward who meaningfully improves Edmonton\u2019s lineup. That is where the term \u201clateral\u201d becomes complicated. A spare-defenceman-for-spare-forward exchange could balance the roster, but it would not automatically strengthen it. If the Oilers want a reliable everyday contributor, they might need to add another asset or offer a more valuable player.<\/p>\n Mukhamadullin Has More Upside \u2014 and More Value to Protect<\/p>\n Mukhamadullin should attract a stronger return than Stastney because his appeal extends beyond filling an immediate vacancy. His size, mobility, ability to play both sides of the blue line and development potential give another organization greater flexibility and long-term upside. Edmonton acquired<\/a> the 24-year-old from the San Jose Sharks this summer, making him a recent investment in the defence\u2019s future.<\/p>\n A buyer could view Mukhamadullin as someone capable of growing into a larger role, rather than remaining a depth option. That upside could expand the calibre of forward available in return. However, it also raises Edmonton\u2019s threshold for making a deal. Trading Mukhamadullin for temporary injury coverage would sacrifice potential long-term value to solve a short-term problem. If he is moved, the incoming forward should have a meaningful role after the roster returns to health.<\/p>\n Which Forwards Could Fit Edmonton\u2019s Search?<\/p>\n
![\"Montreal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Montreal-Canadiens-Kirby-Dach-1200x800.jpg\")
Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dach (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n