Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers to Sign Veteran Left Shot Defenceman?
Expect the Edmonton Oilers to sign a depth free agent defenseman before the season starts, if Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer is correct.
This just in from Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer. “Now that we are closing in on a RTP… Wouldn’t be a surprise if the Oilers sign a veteran (75+ NHL GP) left shot Defenceman that could act as a #6/#7 D.”
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Typically, when Stauffer says something about who the Edmonton Oilers might be looking to sign, there’s a better-than good chance the Oilers are probably going to sign someone. More often than not, he’s clued in on plans the team may have and often times his suggestions originate from the organization and a news nugget travels down the totem pole to the fans. As former scribe Robin Brownlee noted after seeing the post, “So, it’ll be announced Monday then?”
Fans immediately jumped on board the comments section to suggest a few options for the Oilers. Among the most common names to appear were Slater Koekoek and Ron Hainsey.
Other questions popped up about the idea that the Oilers already have a player like Kris Russell on the roster to fill that role, but the new NHL guidelines discussing taxi squads and additional roster players suggest the Oilers will have room for one more.
As for bigger names like Travis Hamonic, Sami Vatanen or Zdeno Chara, don’t expect the Oilers to be going after higher-priced veteran names like that. These guys will eventually sign with someone and aren’t looking for a six or seven role on a team.
The Entry-Level Slide Factor
While Stauffer’s report makes sense, there is a chance the Oilers will run with the kids. Philip Broberg was just named Team Captain of Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships and perhaps a strong showing there means he sticks in Edmonton and joins the Oilers taxi squad.
The only downside to that is the entry-level eligibility games has slid from 10 games to seven as part of the prorated new 2021 schedule. Meaning, if Broberg plays in six or more games, his contract would not slide into next season. The same does not apply however to players like Evan Bouchard or William Lagesson.
Next: Renewed Urgency for Free Agents Like Mike Hoffman
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