The stories write themselves right now.

The Edmonton Oilers can’t play defence. Well, they can, but they just don’t seem to be choosing to do so.

Talk of improving from within has been nothing short of exhausting. Oilers players don’t seem to have answers, and the coaching staff can try to change up the lines — or even who’s behind the bench itself — but nothing seems to be working.

Enter Stan Bowman.

Just two days after picking up defensive defenceman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, whose game emulates that of his father, Gord, Bowman was back on the ringer with Kyle Davidson. This time, it was to bring in a nearly ideal third-line centre, Jason Dickinson, and a young player in Colton Dach.

The cost didn’t appear cheap. They moved out a disgruntled asset in Andrew Mangiapane, and a top-12 protected first-round pick in 2027 to make the deal and the money work. Fan reaction has been swift, with many expressing sticker shock at the trade.

Understandably, many still clutch onto the concept of first-round picks being worth their weight in gold, but the reality is that the acquisition........

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