Two former Oilers defenceman may have to take tryout contracts
At this point in the offseason, any unsigned player is likely hoping for one last shot in the NHL, or exploring options in other leagues. Two Oilers defenceman find themselves in this situation: Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz.
This morning, Daily Faceoff named Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz as the top two defenceman left on the free agent market. They both have similar profiles as aging offensive defencemen that struggle in their own end, and quite frankly, no playoff team is interested in that type of player. Barrie was scratched for long periods of time last season and in the playoffs with the Nashville Predators, and Schultz had a team-worst -23 rating with the Seattle Kraken.
Daily Faceoff gave no indication that any team was showing interest in signing these two defenceman, but both will likely find an opportunity somewhere. Barrie is reportedly more likely to receive a one-year contract offer, while Schultz may have to take a tryout contract and prove himself in the preseason.
Both players have had respectable careers, and have also spent time on the Oilers roster. Barrie played three successful seasons with the team, scoring more than 40 points each year, before he was traded for a huge upgrade in Mattias Ekholm. Barrie scored just 15 points in 41 games this year, and was scratched for all but one playoff game. Justin Schultz began his career in Edmonton, playing four years on a rebuilding squad before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups.
Along with Barrie and Schultz, a number of other former Oilers are finding themselves on the outside looking in this summer. Sam Gagner has made a commitment to returning to play but remains unsigned, and Kailer Yamamoto is struggling to draw interest as well. It's not likely any of them come back to Edmonton, but Oilers fans are still certainly hoping the best for the next step in all of their careers.
Source: Daily Faceoff
Top 5 NHL UFA Defensemen still available
| POLL | ||
Do you think Barrie and Schultz will play another season? | ||
| Yes, both will play again in the NHL | 76 | 55.5 % |
| No, at least one will be done | 56 | 40.9 % |
| See Results | 5 | 3.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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