Report: Oilers looking to acquire rival blue liner

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland has been known for his sayings dating back to his days with the Detroit Red Wings in which he states he's "kicking some tires" regarding potential trades before ultimately deciding not to with the infamous "we like our team" line. Of course, he's also irked fans and left them wondering about his competency at the position by declaring that doing normal GM things like making deals is "hard". 

Right now, the Oilers find themselves in nearly an identical spot as last year that resulted in a career first for Holland - firing a head coach during the regular season. Despite an other-worldly season from superstar forward and captain Connor McDavid, the Oilers are currently on the outside looking in on the postseason, and everyone knows that the clock is ticking on his and fellow star Leon Draisaitl's time in Edmonton if they don't challenge for or win a championship soon. 

Could Holland's hand be forced to make a deal? According to a recently released report, the Oilers have reportedly reached out to the Minnesota Wild regarding the availability of blue liner Matt Dumba, who has scored four goals with seven assists in 40 games played this season. 

Meanwhile, TSN's Darren Dreger also confirmed the news: 

"There’s no question that the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators have reached out and do have interest in Dumba. Why wouldn’t you? He’s 28-years-old, he’s a right-shot defenceman and he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. The problem from the Wild’s standpoint is they need him. They’re playing pretty well right now. They’re not sure just yet they are ready to move on from Matt Dumba even though you look into the future and you see the cap issue of the Minnesota Wild … But the price would be high and then the Wild would have to hit the market potentially to find someone to replace Matt Dumba."

Edmonton's defense and goaltending have been their Achilles Heel for the most part this season.