Edmonton Oilers Three Draft Pick Options

Apr 12, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Ryan Smyth (94) is acknowledged after his last game as an NHL player and Edmonton Oilers player after a game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris Austin-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having the top overall pick for three straight years, the Edmonton Oilers cannot seem to break free from their losing ways. The Oilers sit with the third spot in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Taylor Hall (1st overall, 2010), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1st overall, 2011), and Nail Yakupov (1st overall, 2012) are still very young and provide the core of this team moving forward. Each of the aforementioned players is a forward.

Therefore, what the Oilers lack is high-end defensemen. The Oilers have tried to remedy this problem by drafting the likes of Oscar Klefbom (19th overall, 2011) and Darnell Nurse (7th overall, 2013), while signing a prized college free agent in Justin Schultz.

How the Oilers view this draft depends on who is available. If a franchise defenseman like Aaron Ekblad is available, he may be too good to pass up. However, the Oilers do lack depth in forward prospects because all of their recent draft picks are in the NHL.

So without further ado, here are three draft options for the Edmonton Oilers.