Oilers Linked to Signing Two Veteran Free Agents to Fix Defence Problem

According to a new report from Chris Johnston in the Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers are in conversations with Mark Giordano and Kevin Shattenkirk to make a late addition to their defence.

Mark Giordano was the oldest player in the NHL last season at 41 years old, and Oilers fans will know him well from his 15 seasons with the Calgary Flames. Spending many of those years as captain, Giordano was an elite two-way defender and particularly a pest to McDavid and the Oilers. He won the Norris Trophy at 36 years old with the Flames before going on to continue his career with the Seattle Kraken and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Giordano is definitely old, but still looked like a quality defenceman in limited ice time for the Leafs last year. In 2022-23, he posted an incredible +27 rating in 78 games. The Oilers were linked to Giordano on a tryout earlier this year.

Kevin Shattenkirk is 35 years old, and had a quality season as a depth defender on a great Bruins team last year. Since being drafted in the first round in 2007, Shattenkirk has played 985 career games with 7 different teams, winning the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019-20. Shattenkirk is a smaller body at 6'0, but is a great passer and has been used as a power play specialist in the past. The Oilers were also linked to Shattenkirk on a tryout contract in preseason.

Johnston only mentioned the Oilers specifically as having interest in Kevin Shattenkirk, but linked the Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers to signing Mark Giordano as well. Given that presentation, it seems that Shattenkirk may be a more likely addition. However, Johnston mentioned that Giordano's prime concern is a chance to win, and the Oilers may be the best team for that.

It's surprising to hear that the Oilers would consider adding another defender considering they have so many depth options, but given the performance of the blue line so far, it may be a team priority. Josh Brown was sent down on waivers, and Travis Dermott and Ty Emberson had some struggles in Game one. The Oilers have plenty of time, and apparently plenty of options to sort out the roster.