Oilers Linked to Disgruntled Maple Leafs' Defenseman in Trade

The Edmonton Oilers are actively searching for defensive help according to The Athletic's Allan Mitchell .

The Oilers are looking to solidify their blue line coming off a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, but a slow start to the regular season has the team winless through its first three games.

"The coaching staff has no answers," Mitchell wrote. "Breaking up the top pair is possible. A roster addition may be under consideration.

"There are signs the organization is casting about in search of possible blue-line additions."

Mitchell points toward fellow insiders Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic , who reported the Oilers' links to veteran defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Mark Giordano on Oct. 10 .

If the Oilers prefer to go for a younger player via trade, Mitchell offered an option that is believed to be available in the trade market and who has fallen down the Toronto Maple Leafs' depth chart.

Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who has yet to play this season, is open to a move according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.

Fellow insider Elliotte Friedman has reported that Toronto has given the blueliner permission to talk to potential suitors.

"Liljegren is by far the most interesting player in the group and the one who would require the most to acquire," Mitchell wrote. "Whereas Shattenkirk and Giordano would require only a contract, Liljegren’s procurement would mean assets out from the Edmonton side (likely draft picks)."

Toronto’s situation with Liljegren is reaching a critical point, and with teams like Edmonton in need of defensive depth, a move may not be far off.

Related: Maple Leafs' Defenseman Open to Trade Without Formal Request: Report