Stan Bowman Issues Statement Regarding Oilers Push for Pacific Division Title

The Edmonton Oilers present a tough challenge in the Pacific Division, and General Manager Stan Bowman believes that if they were to make it to a full bench with no injuries, they'd have the top spot.

With their first-unit personnel on the ice playing injured and deadline pickups making their first-time appearance, the Oilers will try to reduce that four-point gap against current Pacific Division leaders, the Vegas Golden Knights.

There is a significant lift contributed by defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who had been ill and further aggravated it during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He will shore up the blue line and balance out the defense pairings.

Offensively, the Oilers are looking to see something out of forward Trent Frederic, who was part of the trade with the Boston Bruins but has not hit the ice yet.

Along with him, they also acquired Max Jones, whose physicality and grit were added to shore up the forward unit. Bowman prioritizes the roster's health as his number one priority to make it through the season.

If the Oilers are able to ice the same set of players night in and night out, he thinks they would have a good shot at catching Vegas to be at the top of the division down the stretch.

With Ekholm back in the lineup and some fresh faces on the way to offer some help, Edmonton is poised for a push. Their depth and improved balanced roster put them in position to battle for playoff position down the stretch in the big games remaining.