Oilers' Chiarelli 'confident' defense will be upgraded in offseason

After watching his team finish last in the Western Conference, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli admitted this year's roster "wasn't good enough" and let everyone know what his main focus will be in the offseason.

"I'm reasonably confident I will be able to address our defense in a meaningful way," Chiarelli said Sunday in a season-ending press conference, per Jason Gregor of the Edmonton Journal. He added that the team has a surplus of forwards, but that "every option" will be looked at.

"I like size, especially in our division," he said when asked about other areas the team could improve in.

Chiarelli also said he expects to name a team captain for next season, after Jordan Eberle, Andrew Ference, Taylor Hall, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all served as alternates this year. He also delved into another area.

While Cam Talbot emerged as the team's starting goalie for the future, earning a three-year contract extension, Chiarelli added that the "job is wide open" for a new backup.

The Oilers enter the offseason with the second-best odds at winning the draft lottery - for what would be the fifth time in seven years.