Insider reveals most likely defenceman for Oilers to sign on tryout contract

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Liam McCormick
September 8, 2024 (1:25 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to several veteran defenceman on tryout contracts, and now one insider is claiming Travis Dermott is the most likely to be signed.

In a recent article with the Edmonton Journal, Kurt Leavins explained why Travis Dermott is a more likely option than signing an older player like Justin Schultz, Kevin Shattenkirk or even Mark Giordano.

»Justin Schultz is a possibility in Edmonton. As I indicated last week, the two sides have talked. But I suspect Schultz is looking for a contracts as opposed to just a PTO. And who could blame him? The Kevin Shattenkirk reports are plausible. But it is more likely that we could see the likes of Travis Dermott. Yes, he is a lefty but comfortably plays both sides. He was coached by (wait for it) Kris Knoblauch in Erie and was represented in the past by Jeff Jackson. There is a split-squad game with the Flames on the twenty-third. They will need 12 D-men for that.»
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal

There's a handful of reasons Travis Dermott is the best candidate for the Oilers to sign to a tryout contract. He's got a history with Coach Knoblauch and Jeff Jackson, and it seems Dermott is more amenable to a PTO while Shattenkirk and Schultz would rather a contract. Dermott also has the ability to play both sides, which is an asset for any team. Earlier this offseason, Bob Stauffer also hinted the Oilers could sign a player with a history with Knoblauch.

Dermott is a 27 year old left shot defenceman that was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of 2015. He's gone on to play 329 career NHL games with the Leafs, Canucks, and Coyotes, and has posted positive analytical stats in his career. Dermott is a mobile defender who plays a decent two-way game, but can be prone to some errant passes.

If the Oilers can bring him into the fold on a professional tryout and have him as a depth option throughout the season, it certainly wouldn't be a bad move for the team. They've got more than a few candidates to choose from, and making the right choice could potentially really help them through the long 82 game season.

Source for Stats: PuckPedia - Travis Dermott