Oilers Coach Paul Coffey Not Pleased With Depth Defenceman: Roster Move May Be Incoming
The Edmonton Oilers brought in Travis Dermott after a tryout contract in preseason, but so far this year, Dermott's results and Paul Coffey's usage of him suggest he's no longer an NHL defenceman.
Dermott entered the lineup last night for the first time in the last 5 games, and played a season low ice time of 5:44. Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock believes that may be a sign that Coffey is ready to see a new candidate for the 7th defenceman spot.
By rating of sG, which tries to replicate a wins above replacement as a stat, Dermott grades at a -4. That's far below NHL replacement level, and below other Oilers depth defenders like Vincent Desharnais and Troy Stecher.
Dermott won the opening night role after a string training camp and started the first three games in the Oilers lineup, but as other teams got closer to mid-season form, Dermott clearly became a step behind. If the Oilers want to make the most of their 7th defenceman spot and get some other looks in, they have solid internal options.
Curlock suggested Phil Kemp to be called up for the 7th defenceman role. Kemp was a 7th round draft pick of the Oilers in 2017, and has grown into a strong defensive defenceman after 5 full seasons in the AHL.
Another option could be Maximus Wanner, the Oilers 7th round draft pick from 2021. In recent years Wanner has shot up the Oilers depth chart, and is looking primed to make the jump to the NHL as a stay at home defenceman soon.
After a night where Dermott got only 5 minutes of ice time, it's clear the Oilers coaching staff isn't thinking too highly of him. It's only a matter of time before the Oilers make a roster move to get a look from someone else, hopefully a prospect who has more of a future with the team.
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