After dropping Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to the St. Louis Blues, whereas additionally buying and selling Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks, the Edmonton Oilers have just a few roster spots up for grabs this season. They had been ready so as to add Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson to assist make up for the losses, although each gamers are removed from confirmed on the NHL degree.
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There have been rumblings that the Oilers entrance workplace is trying to signal a participant or two to knowledgeable tryout contract (PTO) forward of coaching camp. They not solely have roster spots accessible, however they may have the cap area to signal a participant or two ought to they see match, as Evander Kane can be positioned on long-term injured reserve as soon as the 2024-25 season begins. Right here’s a have a look at 4 gamers who stay on the free-agent market that might match.
Tyson Barrie
Within the final 24 hours, unconfirmed reviews have urged that the Oilers would possibly herald Tyson Barrie on a PTO. It is sensible, as their blue line may use assistance on the appropriate facet, and the group could be very aware of the 33-year-old, who spent elements of three seasons with them from 2020 to 2023.
Throughout his run in Edmonton, Barrie was very productive offensively, thanks largely to his time on the primary power-play unit. That position would now not be an choice, given the emergence of Evan Bouchard, however he may nonetheless be precious as a frontrunner. He was a beloved determine within the Oilers’ dressing room and will assist fill Ceci’s footwear, who was additionally a group favorite.
Justin Schultz
Justin Schultz is one other former Oiler who’s price contemplating. The 34-year-old defenceman hasn’t developed into the star many projected him to be when getting into the NHL, however he has carved out a formidable 745-game profession.
Schultz is just like Barrie in a variety of methods. He too is a proper shot and has some offensive expertise, with 324 factors in his profession. He has defensive deficiencies however could be a helpful depth piece on a blue line that’s underwhelming for a Stanley Cup contender.
Kailer Yamamoto
Sure, one other former Oiler. It’s been a tough offseason for a lot of ex-Oilers who’re in search of new houses, together with Kailer Yamamoto. The 25-year-old spent final season with the Seattle Kraken after enjoying 244 video games with the Oilers – the group that drafted him twenty second general in 2017.
With Holloway’s departure, there’s a spot up for grabs upfront. Podkolzin, together with one other commerce acquisition, Matt Savoie, are candidates, however neither are locks. Bringing in Yamamoto for some further competitors in coaching camp may show helpful. Nonetheless, he may not be accessible for much longer, because the Boston Bruins are stated to be all for signing him to a PTO.
Blake Wheeler
Blake Wheeler is one other free-agent ahead who’s believed to have curiosity from the Bruins. The 37-year-old will not be far faraway from being a point-per-game participant however is coming off of a tough season with the New York Rangers when he managed simply 9 targets and 21 factors in 54 video games.
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Although father time could also be guilty for Wheeler’s latest struggles, bringing in a veteran who has completed a lot could be helpful for the Oilers in coaching camp. At worst, administration will uncover he’s now not the participant he as soon as was and may set him free. There’s zero threat and lots to be gained from signing him to a PTO.
At Least One PTO Doubtless
With the departures of Holloway, Broberg, and Ceci, it’s laborious to think about that the Oilers gained’t signal at the least one participant to a PTO forward of coaching camp. Most indicators appear to be pointing to Barrie, nevertheless it wouldn’t come as a serious shock to see any of those gamers signed by the Oilers within the coming weeks.
