The Edmonton Oilers are staring down a crucial stretch in their season, and they know they need to upgrade their blue line if they want to make a legitimate run in the playoffs. With the trade deadline looming, the Oilers have some big decisions to make, and one Oilers analyst has started crunching the numbers to find the perfect fit.

According to the analyst, there are five defencemen currently playing for other teams that could be exactly what the Oilers need. These players offer a mix of experience, skill, and physicality that could help shore up the Oilers' defence and give them the boost they need to take on the best teams in the league.

So who are these five defencemen, and how could they help the Oilers? Let's take a look:

1. Vladislav Gavrikov - Columbus Blue Jackets

Gavrikov is a 26-year-old Russian defenceman who is having a breakout season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's playing top-pairing minutes, scoring at a career-high rate, and showing that he has the skill and physicality to be an elite defenceman in the NHL.

The Blue Jackets are struggling this season, and they may be looking to make some changes. If the Oilers could swing a deal for Gavrikov, it could be a game-changer. He's got the speed, agility, and shooting ability to be a true number one defenceman, and his salary is reasonable enough that the Oilers could fit him in under the cap.

2. Justin Faulk - St. Louis Blues

Faulk is a 31-year-old American defenceman who has been one of the NHL's most consistent performers over the past decade. He's got a nose for the net, and his ability to score from the blue line is unmatched.

But Faulk's biggest asset may be his experience. He's been in the league for over a decade, and he's played in some big games. If the Oilers were to acquire Faulk, they'd be getting a veteran presence on the blue line who could help lead the team through the playoffs.

3. Shayne Gostisbehere - Philadelphia Flyers

Gostisbehere is a 29-year-old American defenceman who is having a resurgence in Philadelphia. He's playing top-pairing minutes, and his ability to create offence from the blue line has been a key factor in the Flyers' success this season.

The Flyers are struggling financially, and they may be looking to shed some salary. If the Oilers could acquire Gostisbehere without giving up too much, it could be a steal. He's got the speed, agility, and shooting ability to be an elite defenceman, and his low salary makes him an attractive option.

4. Mikhail Sergachev - Tampa Bay Lightning

Sergachev is a 24-year-old Russian defenceman who has been a staple of the Lightning's blue line for several years. He's got the size, speed, and skill to be an elite defenceman, and his ability to play both sides of the ice makes him a valuable asset.

But Sergachev's career has been marked by inconsistency, and the Lightning may be looking to make some changes. If the Oilers could acquire Sergachev, it could be a coup. He's got the potential to be an elite defenceman, and his low salary makes him an attractive option.

5. Damon Severson - New Jersey Devils

Severson is a 28-year-old Canadian defenceman who has been a stalwart on the Devils' blue line for several years. He's got the size, speed, and skill to be an elite defenceman, and his ability to play both sides of the ice makes him a valuable asset.

The Devils are struggling this season, and they may be looking to make some changes. If the Oilers could acquire Severson, it could be a game-changer. He's got the experience, skill, and physicality to be a true number one defenceman, and his low salary makes him an attractive option.

So who do you think the Oilers should target? Make your voice heard in the comments below!