An explosive new report from an Oilers analyst indicates that general manager Stan Bowman could consider parting ways with a pair of veteran players on the defensive side of the puck. The Edmonton Oilers are just days away from putting their Western Conference title defense to the test; last year, they came within a single victory of their 1st Stanley Cup since 1990, only to have the Florida Panthers break their hearts in the Sunshine State. But <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/kris-knoblauch-reveals-unfortunate-news-regarding-top-six-forward-playoff-status' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>as they prepare to attempt</a> another extended playoff run, an explosive new report from a noted Oilers analyst would spell major changes for the franchise if they fail to do so. Per Allan Walsh, who covers the Oilers for The Athletic, general manager Stan Bowman <a href='https://www.oilersdaily.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/oilers-analyst-predicts-two-core-players-to-be-traded-this-offseason' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>could consider a trade</a> of one or both of defenseman Evan Bouchard and goaltender Stuart Skinner for more experienced players. I'm not sure what Stan Bowman has in mind for summer procurement, but it's possible both Bouchard and Skinner are sent away for more experienced players who have less chaos in their game. One day, this organization is going to wake up and find itself old, slow and without a single Stanley. It's sad, actually. If either player were dealt from the Oilers, it would open up a considerable roster spot; Bouchard is one of the highest ice-time earners on Edmonton's blue line, while Skinner is the starter in the crease. Right now, Skinner has missed the last several games, thanks to the effects of being run into by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen late last month. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/dstaples/status/1905119054639284705'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Bouchard is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1; he has 64 points (13G, 51A) in 78 games this year. Meanwhile, Skinner is under contract for another year with an AAV (average annual value) of $2.6 million. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/abendytendy/status/1909459806244471061?s=46&t=C_bvRimUTCktVdyaeHwZLg'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/ericjfriesen/status/1907281556546138429'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Skinner has gone 24-18-4 with a 2.91 GAA, a .894 SV%, and 2 shutouts. As the offseason approaches it seems that GM Stan Bowman will have a major decision to make regarding the future path of the Edmonton Oilers.