The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Devin Shore to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday. The deal will see Shore make an average annual value of $850,000. Essentially, the deal locks in a bottom depth forward who made an impact on special teams and was extremely noticeable in the right ways during the playoffs to league minimum extension.
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Like any depth signing, there is a mixed bag of reactions to this deal. Some are pointing at his analytics numbers (34.6% GF), suggesting this isn’t a player the Oilers should have moved forward with. Others are suggesting this is good signing with little downside. Shore played with heart and grit, something the Oilers could use more of and he’s got the ability to play higher than a fourth-line role.
Shore wasn’t a regular in the lineup last season and he might not be moving forward, but he’s the type of veteran that allows the Oilers to try out some younger forwards, create competition for spots on the roster and ensure nothing is given.
The fair question to ask might be why the Oilers gave Shore the second season. It’s not likely he was going to get much more on the open market and that second year is something that probably wasn’t necessary. At worst, I suppose this is low cost contract that could easily be buried in the AHL.
Shore has recorded 44 goals and 71 assists for 115 points in 326 career NHL regular season games with the Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars, including four shorthanded goals and seven game-winning goals.
What Are the Dominos of the Shore Signing?
This is the first signing of the summer for the Oilers and the questions about what comes next are certainly on the minds of Oilers fans. Some took this signing as a signal the Oilers aren’t prioritizing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins while others asked what this means for a player like Tyler Benson, who now has another hurdle to make the team.
Most have taken this contract as an indication the Oilers aren’t going to be using analytics to make their decisions this summer which is a huge concern for some fans. Because this is such a big offseason, analytics probably should play a significant role in their planning.
Next: Darnell Nurse Norris Trophy Snub Helps Oilers Future Negotiations
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