NHL Insider Urges Edmonton Oilers to Trade for Gritty Player: 'The Next Brad Marchand'

The Edmonton Oilers begin the second half of the offseason still craving revenge for the rare disappointment of losing back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers.

NHL insider Allan Mitchell is calling on the Oilers to trade sooner rather than later, specifically before next season's deadline, in order to acquire a hard-nosed, high-scoring winger to give the same kind of spark Brad Marchand gave Florida a year ago.

Brad Marchand's second-half acquisition was the spark that ignited the Panthers to their Stanley Cup title, and Allan Mitchell feels that kind of acquisition is the solution to getting Edmonton into the postseason and finally hoisting a Stanley Cup.

Reality came calling in the form of Zach Hyman's lost time from the last playoffs when he got injured.

Zach Hyman's 44 points during the regular season and 11 points during the playoffs both proved his goal-getting skill and toughness, qualities the Oilers so desperately needed during their seven-game loss to Florida.

Mitchell believes the lack of grit and toughness made the difference, and must be fixed if this team is going to punch through.

Marchand's unexpected availability last season, after all those years in Boston, serves as a reminder that the trade market can change quickly. Florida took advantage, acquiring a proven winner at just the right time.

Edmonton, Mitchell says, needs to be prepared to take advantage of a similar situation if one becomes available.

The Oilers begin the year without Evander Kane, who was traded to the Vancouver Canucks before free agency. But the team has a good foundation, and Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a healthy Hyman, once he returns, fuel the offense.

Depth players such as Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin are going to be called on to play supporting roles as Edmonton looks for another deep playoff run.