Report: Oilers' 1st-rounder 'definitely in play' in trade talks

Despite sitting on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, the Edmonton Oilers appear to be all-in for the 2018-19 season.

The Oilers' first-round pick is "definitely in play" ahead of the Feb. 25 trade deadline, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

On Dec. 14, CEO Bob Nicholson said general manager Peter Chiarelli's job is safe as long as the team makes the playoffs

Earlier this week, TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported that the Oilers are on a "full-court press" to find forward help.

The Oilers shored up the back end of their blue line by adding Brandon Manning and Alex Petrovic in two separate trades on Dec. 30. Edmonton's defense corps will also get a boost when Oscar Klefbom and Andrej Sekera return from their injuries, but holes remain up front.

Outside of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and surprisingly, journeyman Alex Chiasson, the Oilers have struggled to get consistent offensive contributions from the remaining eight forwards.