The Edmonton Oilers have yet to engage in any trade activity leading up to the deadline, but it is anticipated that they will ramp up their efforts in the coming week. Following recent trades involving Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars and Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Oilers are in the market for defensemen to reinforce their blue line. Despite notable available defensemen like Noah Hanifin, Zach Bogosian, and Joel Edmundson, the Oilers have the chance to make a move to improve their defensive depth. However, their focus seems to have shifted towards forwards recently, aiming to enhance their scoring for a potential playoff push.
One player the Oilers have reportedly shown interest in is Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals, who has been the subject of trade rumors this season. The rumors were first mentioned by Elliotte Friedman on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, with Jeff Marek also linking the two parties. While the exact asking price is unknown, with the Capitals expected to sell at the deadline, Dowd could be a valuable addition as a defensive forward for the Oilers’ bottom six.
Although the Oilers were also linked to Capitals forward Anthony Mantha, acquiring him seems less likely due to the cost of his contract. On the other hand, Dowd presents a more affordable option with term remaining on his deal, which could make him a compelling target for the Oilers. The Oilers have shown willingness to invest in players beyond short-term rentals, as seen in their acquisition of Mattias Ekholm last season. It appears that the Oilers are actively evaluating the potential acquisition of Nic Dowd as the trade deadline approaches.
Who Is Nic Dowd?
Nic Dowd, a 33-year-old right-shot forward hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft following an impressive performance in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Wenatchee Wild. He showcased his skills by recording 16 goals and 33 assists for a total of 49 points across 43 games. Subsequently, Dowd transitioned to the United States Hockey League (USHL) and played for the Indiana Ice, contributing 16 goals, 23 assists, and 39 points over 46 games. He later pursued collegiate hockey, spending four seasons with St. Cloud State University.
During his stint at St. Cloud State, Dowd tallied 52 goals, 69 assists, and 121 points in 154 games, averaging 0.79 points per game. After a brief seven-game stint with the Manchester Monarchs in the AHL at the end of the 2013-14 season, he made his NHL debut during the 2015-16 season, appearing in five games without registering any points. Dowd solidified his place in the NHL following a successful tenure in the AHL, where he amassed 23 goals and 69 assists for a total of 92 points across 140 games, averaging 0.66 points per game.
In his inaugural complete NHL season in 2016-17, Dowd notched six goals, 16 assists, and 22 points in 70 games. While he may not be known for high offensive production, Dowd has showcased his defensive prowess and versatility, adapting well to various roles on the ice. After a trade to the Vancouver Canucks, he joined the Washington Capitals for the 2018-19 season and has remained with the team ever since. This season with the Capitals, Dowd has contributed eight goals, eight assists, and 16 points in 45 games. Throughout his NHL career spanning 481 games, he has accumulated 66 goals, 77 assists, and 143 points, translating to an average of 0.30 points per game.
Renowned for his elite defensive abilities as a centerman, Dowd would be a valuable asset to any competitive team. Given the Edmonton Oilers’ defensive struggles this season, Dowd could provide stability in crucial situations and potentially excel as a penalty-kill specialist for the team.
As the Oilers gear up for their upcoming game against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, they aim to build on their recent 3-2 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues. It is hoped that the Oilers can successfully acquire Dowd before the trade deadline, retaining enough assets to further enhance their team and bolster their playoff aspirations.
Leave a Reply