Gritty forwards that the Edmonton Oilers should target

When you look at the Edmonton Oilers, they don’t have a lack of talent, they have a lack of size. Looking back at when the Oilers played their best hockey, they had names like Corey Perry and Evander Kane in the lineup—guys that could make a difference on the score sheet in the points column, but also get down and dirty when the game required. They are missing the gritty forward mentality.

There are three forwards that come to mind when I think of gritty forwards that would blend well with the Oilers play-style, but who should Stan Bowman inquire on before the trade deadline?

Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres

Sitting at 6’4 and 220 lbs, Alex Tuch is a great option for the Oilers to add to be a physical presence in the top six. Tuch isn’t just big on paper. He skates well for his size and uses his body effectively in puck battles. He has proven that he can contribute offensively, as well. He has put up 430 points in his 592 games in the NHL with the Vegas Golden Knights and Buffalo Sabres.

That combination of size, strength, and scoring touch is exactly what the Oilers should be looking for if they want someone who can play alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl; someone who can put up points, while still being able to win the important puck battles.

His contract of $4.75M AVV is up after this season, where he would then become an unrestricted free agent. With the Buffalo Sabres being in a playoff spot, one of their top wingers wouldn’t come cheap. If the Oilers wanted to acquire him sooner rather than later, they would have to move a quality forward. They might also need to trade a draft pick or two. However, it could be worth it to add him to the lineup on the right side of Leon Draisaitl because of his pedigree.

Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames

Blake Coleman is less of a pure size upgrade and more of a style-of-play correction for a top-six group. While not a typical power forward by size, he has an impact by collecting the puck, applying forechecking pressure, and holding the offensive zone. His effectiveness in low-event, physical hockey and his ability to tilt board battles give him value beyond just scoring.

For an Oilers team looking to change up the look of it’s top-six group going into the postseason, Coleman offers a combination of competitiveness, structure, and pace rather than just being a physical presence.

He would be a solid fit on the left wing position beside either McDavid or Draisaitl. Coleman does have an additional year left on his contract of $4.9M AVV, and if Calgary is willing to part ways with him for a slightly younger second-line grinder and an upcoming draft pick, they may be willing to trade him as part of their current rebuild.

Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks

Jake DeBrusk’s appeal to the Oilers lies less in his size and more in how efficiently his game could improve Edmonton’s current forward group. Unlike bigger, heavier options like Blake Coleman or Alex Tuch, DeBrusk brings speed, finishing ability, and playmaking instincts that align naturally with the current forward core.

He’s great at timing his routes into scoring areas, attacking off the rush, and converting chaos into goals. These traits translate directly to playing alongside elite players. In that sense, DeBrusk wouldn’t just make the top-six harder to play against—he would make them more dangerous, offering an additional scoring threat that improves the Oilers’ identity. 

This wouldn’t be the first time the Oilers would look to add him to the roster either. They would have to pay to get him, but they should be willing to do so, as he is a dual-threat forward that brings speed and grit to the top lines. Along with that, in comparison to Evander Kane, who the Oilers sent to the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason, DeBrusk has a similar cap hit, while producing a substantial amount more for his team. This one seems like a no-brainer for Stan Bowman.

Who would be the best fit for the Oilers forward core?

The Oilers are looking to evolve their forward core, and what better way than to add a bit of extra grit to the front line? Two of the three have been playing for division rival teams for the past few years, but with both the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks struggling to win games, would they be willing to part ways with a veteran in order to help them in their rebuild?

When considering options like Alex Tuch, Blake Coleman, and Jake DeBrusk, the decision depends on the Oilers’ preference. Do they want to change their play-style, or do they want to sharpen it? Tuch offers the most size and physical presence, while Coleman provides structure, puck-retrieval ability, and playoff-tested competitiveness.

DeBrusk, however, offers the most seamless fit. He is a winger with speed, off-puck timing, and a finishing touch. He can directly assist Edmonton’s elite playmakers without disturbing their offensive rhythm. Rather than making the top-six heavier, DeBrusk would make it more efficient and more dangerous. For a team built with pace and skill, he would be the most practical and impactful upgrade out of the three. 

Let us know your thoughts!