As the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are actively exploring options to strengthen their roster, particularly focusing on defensive improvements. The team’s search for a reliable right-handed top-four defenceman has centered on Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators, who could become a critical asset for the Oilers moving forward.
With the Senators seven points behind a playoff spot and no games in hand, Ottawa might consider trading valuable players like Zub to address longer-term team issues in the offseason. Acquiring a defender like Zub could significantly enhance the Oilers’ lineup, complementing players such as Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse, and Ty Emberson as they prepare for the postseason.
Background and Career of Artem Zub
Artem Zub is a 30-year-old right-shot defenceman currently under contract for another year with a $4.6 million cap hit. He spent five seasons in the KHL playing for Khabarovsk Amur and St. Petersburg SKA, capturing a championship in 2017. Zub also earned a gold medal representing Russia at the 2018 Men’s Olympics.
Undrafted, Zub was signed by the Ottawa Senators in 2020 and debuted in the NHL during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2021 season. His rookie year was impressive, posting a +4 rating and 14 points over 47 games. He secured a two-year extension followed by a four-year contract during the 2022–23 season, which remains in effect.
How Zub Fits Into a Defensive Core
Zub is widely regarded as an excellent second-pair defenceman with notable defensive metrics. His expected goals percentage (xG%) sits at 53.48, high-danger goals for percentage (HDGF%) at 56.10, and a Corsi For percentage (CF%) of 52.25. Particularly impressive is Zub’s actual goal share of 54.67%, considering the Senators have endured the league’s weakest goaltending this season. This demonstrates Zub’s strong presence in on-ice defensive outcomes.
Throughout the current season, Zub has predominantly paired with Jake Sanderson, an elite young defender. Together, the duo boasts a 59.5 xG% and limits expected goals against (xGA) to just 1.75 per 60 minutes, reflecting elite-level defensive performance. Last season’s stats revealed a 56.3 xG Share and 55.1% possession for the pairing, further underscoring Zub’s synergy with puck-moving left-handed partners like Jake Walman.
Evaluating Zub’s Strengths and Areas for Improvement
While Zub is an outstanding shutdown defender, he is not known for offensive creativity. He rarely generates scoring chances individually, nor does he distribute highlight-reel passes like Evan Bouchard or Walman or lead rushes like Quinn Hughes. However, this limitation is not a significant liability given his primary role on the blue line.
Zub’s core strength lies in neutralizing opponents’ rush chances and preventing dangerous zone entries, an area where the Oilers’ defense has struggled. Although he is less proficient at retrieving pucks off dump-ins, Jake Walman’s skill in this area can help offset that weakness.
Additionally, Zub excels in penalty killing and controlling traffic in front of the net at 5-on-5 play. The Oilers have allowed opponents high-danger chances from the slot, especially during penalty kills, which has been a persistent problem. Zub’s ability to close down these critical areas could address a major defensive shortcoming for Edmonton.
Implications for Edmonton’s Defensive Needs
Zub might not fit the mold of a transitional defender preferred by analysts like Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer, but his status as a reliable shutdown defenceman on an affordable contract makes him an enticing target. Often described in Oilers circles as a “mini-Ekholm,” Zub represents a practical and valuable solution for edging the Oilers’ second right-handed defenceman issue.
If acquired, Zub would provide stability to Edmonton’s top four for at least the next two seasons. A defensive lineup featuring Ekholm-Bouchard and Walman-Zub pairs would rank among the league’s best, despite the question marks surrounding the third pair where a $9.25 million player currently plays.
For the Oilers to secure Zub, they would need to act quickly should Ottawa decide to sell assets. The asking price is expected to be steep, possibly involving a first-round pick, which Edmonton does not own this season due to previous trades linked to Evgenii Dadonov and Jake Walman. Salary considerations may also require Edmonton to move a player like Andrew Mangiapane.
Trading suggestions circulating among fans include a deal involving Mangiapane, a 2026 second-round pick, the 2027 first-round pick, and prospects Beau Akey and Alec Regula in exchange for Zub. Such a package, while costly, could prove worthwhile if Zub’s defensive impact aligns with expectations.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The possible addition of Artem Zub could dramatically improve the Oilers’ defensive depth, addressing long-standing vulnerabilities especially on penalty kills and high-danger scoring areas. His experience, combined with defensive prowess, complements Edmonton’s current roster while fitting reasonably within salary cap constraints for the short term.
As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Oilers’ management will need to weigh the cost of acquiring Zub against the pressing need to shore up the defense. If successful, this move could be a decisive factor in Edmonton’s playoff push and postseason success.
