One Oilers free agent signing now looking questionable before training camp

The Edmonton Oilers had a fantastic free agency period this year with multiple great value adds, but one contract sticks out in particular as strange.

The Oilers signed 30 year old defenceman Josh Brown to a three year contract for $1M a year on July 1st, and now looking at the depth chart, it may be difficult for Brown to break into the lineup. After also adding Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott, it's looking like Brown is the least likely player to make the team - despite earning the most money and term on his contract. According to Jonathan Willis of the Athletic, Brown was near the worst ranked defenceman in the NHL by xGF%.

The Oilers must've seen something in Josh Brown that warranted the financial commitment on day one of free agency, and it's possible that their development and coaching staff will be able to get the best out of Brown. However, handing that contract to a 30 year old defenceman with minimal experience is looking more questionable in comparison to the much better value adds with Emberson and Dermott. Based on results earlier in their career, Emberson and Dermott should make the team over Brown.

Heading into next season, the Oilers really only have four defenceman that are guaranteed an NHL spot: Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Brett Kulak. There will be a significant battle for the 5th and 6th spot on the back end during training camp, with Ty Emberson, Travis Dermott, Josh Brown, and potentially some rookies pushing to make the team.

Whoever is able to prove themselves the best in camp will win out the final two jobs before opening night. Which Oilers defenceman do you think will be cut before opening night? Let us know in the poll below!

Source for Brown Stats: PuckPedia - Josh Brown

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