Even if the Oilers only acquire one "long-term option on defense," Reinhart is still getting exposed.
If the Oilers aquire 1 Dman:
Klefbom - XXX
Sekera - Davidson/Nurse/Reinhart/Fayne
Davidson/Nurse/Reinhart - Davidson/Nurse/Griff/Fayne
Klefbom - XXX
Klefbom will almost certainly be on the top pairing. Management just signed him to a long contract, and quite frankly deserves to be there. He struggled off the start but once he got in his groove he played really well. His partner will need to be as good or better than him. Ideal candidate Hamonic IMO.
Sekera - Davidson/Nurse/Reinhart/Fayne
When they acquired Sekera it was to anchor the second pairing. Really like the contract, think he is a great asset to the team.
Davidson really showed some great strides in his limited viewing. If he played like he did during the end of the year he can be a #4 easily, if he faltered then it would be on to the next one.
Nurse had his ups and his downs this season. He actually was quite good for a decent stretch, most TOI as a rookie. He was aggressive and really worked well with Sekera for a short time. But, when he hit his laps then he looked confused and overwhelmed. Still more than capable of being a #4 if he is playing well.
Reinhart started off bad but finished not that bad. He has mostly the same problems as Nurse. When he is on his game then he is quite effective, but his consistency is not there yet. Like Nurse he can make a more than capable #4 when he is at his best.
Fayne was brought in and severly overpaid for what he was. That being said, he is not a terrible option for a bottom pairing Dman who can step into the #4 when need be. I don't think he should be the #4 if the team wants to get anywhere though.
That being said, we need to create a competition between these young men to take the next step and be on that second pairing. They are all highly competitive and we have seen, first hand, what they can be. If you bury them by getting 2 long term Dmen, you will severely stifle their growth.