Oilers Linked to Signing Former Oiler Defenceman to Address Blue Line Problems
Concerns about the Oilers blue line have been amplified by Edmonton's 0-3 start, and now they're being connected to signing a free agent to help out the blue line.
According to Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers may be considering a contract offer to former Oiler Justin Schultz, as well as veteran right handed defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk.
»The name Kevin Shattenkirk resurfaced again this past week. I wrote about Shattenkirk two weeks ago, as well as former Oiler Justin Schultz who was offered a PTO in Edmonton but was looking for a contract (and still is). I am cautious of Shattenkirk. He has had a good NHL career but does not skate well anymore, never was a terrific defender and saw primarily sheltered minutes in Boston last year.»
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
Justin Schultz is now 34 years old, and began his NHL career with the Oilers back in 2012. He's gone on to enjoy a quietly fantastic 745 game career, winning two Stanley Cups in his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and playing with some of the NHL's biggest stars. Schultz has always been a quality puck-moving defenceman which fits the Oilers needs, but his brutal -23 rating from last year is potentially scaring teams away from him.
On the other hand, the Oilers have now been connected multiple times to Kevin Shattenkirk, which Leavins correctly warns may be a mistake. Shattenkirk was a higher profile defender in his prime than Schultz and still has success as a quality passer in limited minutes, but the 35 year old's skating has simply broken down in recent years. Even on the Boston Bruins last year, he was a -2 with 24 points in 61 games.
At the moment, the Oilers have three depth defenceman rotating in and out of the lineup with Travis Dermott, Troy Stecher, and Ty Emberson. All players are NHL capable players, but perhaps not to be relied on for a major role. The Oilers could target one of these veteran players who at least does have the experience of being a top 4 defenceman, and perhaps send Emberson down to the AHL for some more development. For insurance from injuries through the year, the Oilers will need these depth players.
If the Oilers decide to add another veteran to their roster, the move will likely come sooner than later to get the player back up to speed and in the lineup. The defence may have a small window to improve, but if not, another veteran may be joining the Oilers j practice.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers sign Kevin Shattenkirk or Justin Schultz? | ||
| Kevin Shattenkirk | 38 | 23.2 % |
| Justin Schultz | 47 | 28.7 % |
| Neither | 60 | 36.6 % |
| See Results | 19 | 11.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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