A goalie? A top defenceman? A winger? A centre? Two credible NHL insiders, former GMs Brian Lawton and Craig MacTavish, agree that the one area where the Oilers most have to pick up their play is on defence.

The Oilers have been linked to John Gibson in trade rumours this season, and now one NHL insider has confirmed what it will cost Edmonton to acquire him in a trade.

The Oilers have hit their stride after a bumpy start, but there's still room to add. What's on the list beyond defensive depth?

Although the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers are in very different circumstances, they could have similar needs before the NHL trade deadline.

Perhaps the most attractive acquisition target for Edmonton at the deadline is Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club. His cap hit ($2.725 million) is workable, and he’s unrestricted this summer (meaning there is no worry about impacting next year’s cap hit).