Insider Reveals Real Reason Why Oilers Will Play Worst Defenceman in Game One

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Liam McCormick
October 5, 2024 (2:30 PM)

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The Oilers have a small problem on their hands with defenceman Josh Brown, but he'll be playing in Game 1 regardless.

Brown has performed below expectations so far in the preseason, and his career history doesn't inspire much hope that his play will turn around. The Oilers have better options with Troy Stecher and Travis Dermott, but insiders have reported that Brown will play Game One regardless.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli explained on OilersNow that the Oilers have to give Brown a fair shot in the lineup, otherwise it'd be a poor look to other free agents.

»Can I see a world where a Josh Brown hits waivers? I'd be surprised. Just because I think that sends the wrong message to the next guy you wanna sign.»
- Frank Seravalli

The Oilers signed the 30 year old Josh Brown for 3 years and $3M on July 1st. Brown is a big body at 6'5 and a right handed shot, so the apparent hope was that Brown could replace to role of Vincent Desharnais.

Unfortunately, Brown made consistent glaring errors in preseason, and paired with the million dollar salary and three year term, it looks like a questionable signing already. Seravalli pointed out the fact the Oilers likely could've got a player just like Brown at league minimum salary on waivers.

Despite all this, Brown needs to be given a fair shot in the lineup. The Oilers committed to him in free agency, and can't make the difficult decision to place him on waivers after just a rough preseason. Insiders have revealed that Brown has bought an house in Edmonton, and maybe given assurance he will play. Other free agents will take note of a possible overreaction to meaningless games. If Brown continues to struggle into the regular season, the Oilers will certainly make a move to dress the best possible lineup - but they have to give him a chance.

At the end of the day, it will be Knoblauch's decision of who to dress for Game One. We'll have to see how the Oilers line up on October 9th at home against the Winnipeg Jets, and they'll go from there.