The Edmonton Oilers offseason essentially looks to be done after the offer sheet fiasco last week. However, there are still a few areas that need to be addressed, specifically, an open right-handed defenceman spot and some more depth scoring since the Oilers lost Dylan Holloway. So, the question is, who should the Oilers go after? Here are a few potential candidates to keep in mind:
Forwards
James Van Riemsdyk
The 35-year-old had a solid season with the Boston Bruins. Playing in 71 games, James Van Riemsdyk put up 11 goals with his 27 points, and scored a goal and four assists in 11 playoff games. While he definitely isn’t a fast player and past his prime, JVR has shown he can still be very effective in a bottom-six role. The flexibility of playing either wing could come in handy for the Oilers.
Filip Zadina
The former sixth pick in the 2017 draft is still looking for a new home. Last year in San Jose, he put up 13 goals while playing buried in the lineup. Filip Zadina doesn’t have much going on for him, and if he doesn’t make a new and everlasting impression in North America, it’s very likely he spends the rest of his career in Europe. He’s still young enough to grow as a player and with the amount of talented players in Edmonton, this is a bet I’d make.
Kailer Yamamoto
There was a rumor that Boston would bring Kailer Yamamoto on a PTO but nothing confirmed yet. Obviously, Edmonton has history with Yamamoto and we all know what to expect from him. The Oilers bottom six desperately need fast wingers and Yamamoto fits the bill. He may not produce a lot, but getting a cheap, fast winger for an old bottom six is a must.
Defence
Tyson Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Justin Schultz
The trio of right shot defencemen was mentioned by Frank Seravalli a few days ago of players the Oilers were actively talking too. Let’s do an analysis on all three.
Kevin Shattenkirk, funny enough, rejected a trade to the Oilers about eight years ago that would have seen Taylor Hall go to St. Louis. While Shattenkirk had a decent year in Boston, it’s worthy to note he was extremely sheltered while doing so. Not to mention, he’s really lost a step speed wise. I don’t think he’s a good fit here.
We all know Tyson Barrie. I don’t see a role for him here as well. He was scratched for half the year in Nashville and only played one playoff game. He needs to be on the power play to excel and that role is all on Evan Bouchard here. He’d essentially be playing third pair minutes and maybe second pair ice time? I just can’t see a scenario where he’s the answer to the RHD to at least start the season. However, the guys in the locker room obvious love him so maybe their persuasion is enough for Jeff Jackson and Stan Bowman to bring him back here.
In my mind, Justin Schultz is the right candidate. Another former Oiler who spent time here from 2013 to 2016, Schultz is definitely not the same player as he once was (in a good way, mind you). When he was here, he was probably one of the worst defensive players I’ve ever watched in my life. Constant boneheaded passes and giveaways, the lack of IQ in the DZ and just wacking his stick rather than using his body to separate his opponent’s body from the puck. Schultz regained his game in Pittsburgh and won two cups. He had a brief stint in Washington before going to Seattle where had a 30+ point season and a 26-point year last year. I think he’d be a good stopgap third RHD until the deadline and I’m sure there’s been enough time in between his last stint in Oil Country to give it another go.
Calen Addison
One of the more intriguing options is young Calen Addison. A former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018, Addison was touted as a gifted offensive dman in Juniors. He enjoyed a 30-point rookie year in Minnesota in 2022–23, but struggled to find a role the next season and was shipped off to SJ. Obviously, things didn’t go well there either. He scored 12 points and was a -35. He still has potential and could benefit a lot from saucing the puck up to the Oilers elite forward group.
Travis Dermott
The Oilers need more depth on the LHD side and Travis Dermott is a potential name to think about. Bob Stauffer and others have stated they would not be surprised to see Edmonton bring in someone who Knoblauch is familiar with and has played NHL games in the past. Dermott played for the Erie Otters in Junior. He’s a decent puck mover and could be a solid #7 D.
Who deserves a shot?
In my mind, I see the Oilers bringing in two to three PTOs. One of them will be a forward to challenge for a bottom-six spot and the other two will be defencemen. If I have to guess, I think we’ll see one of Barrie/Schultz, Dermott, and James Van Riemsdyk come into camp on PTOS.
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