Available Free Agents
By Steve-O, June 13, 2012 1:46 pm
I think he'd be the ideal FA pickup
Although we should keep in mind that Hall, Eberle, Petry and the such will be getting paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaid right away, so we can’t spend too much (without getting Horcoff, Khabibulin off the books etc).
Also keep in mind, I feel that we need D and goaltending far more than forwards so that’ll be reflected in this post. Feel free to add anyone in the comments you would like the Oilers to go after.
Anyways, here is who is out there (I’m avoiding oldies/people I don’t want/people who won’t sign here):
Goaltenders
What we have:
Khabibulin
Dubnyk
Not much available out there that’s under 35 (my cutoff). I’m thinking that an upgrade at this position (which is much needed, at the very least someone to backup Dubnyk/challenge him to be starter) will need to come via trade, next years FA or one of the kids makes the jump. Drafting a goalie doesn’t help us anytime soon.
Antero Niittymaki ($2,000,000)
2010-11 24 NHL Games, 2.71 GAA, 896 sv%
2011-12 5 AHL Games, 3.01 GAA, 890 sv%
Seems to be trending downwards, maybe a change in scenery will help? Posted a 912 in Philly, then a 909 in Tampa before his 896 in San Jose before not even playing in the show last year.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Displays a calm demeanor at all times and plays with a lot of poise in the crease. Can make spectacular saves at key moments of a hockey game. |
| Flaws |
| Relies a lot on positioning and reflexes, because he sometimes plays smaller than his 6-1 frame in the net. Is prone to inconsistency. |
| Career Potential |
| Inconsistent goaltender with talent. |
Josh Harding ($750,000)
2011-12 34 Games, 2.62 GAA, 917 sv%
Has backed up Backstrom in Minny for a few years now, and looks to be good enough to push for the starting position. Suffered an injury last year, hopefully doesn’t cause a drop off in skill.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has a good frame, athleticism and starting goalie upside. Takes full advantage of his above-average right catching glove to fool shooters not used to him. |
| Flaws |
| Must add more consistency to his game in order to develop into an impact NHL goalkeeper. Needs to continue making adjustments to pro shooters. |
| Career Potential |
| Talented goaltender with some upside. |
Yann Danis ($650,000)
2011-12 1 NHL Game, 3.70 GAA, 833 sv%
2011-12 43 AHL Games, 2.07 GAA, 924 sv%
We should all be familiar with Danis at this point, backstopping the Barons to the West Finals. Played a few games in the NHL for the Habs, Isles and Devils before signing with Edmonton.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Is a cool customer under pressure. Plays a steady, mature game between the pipes. Usually lets the puck hit him and is rarely out of position. |
| Flaws |
| Is a little undersized and doesn’t have great lateral mobility. Needs to show he can consistently string together quality starts at the big-league level. |
| Career Potential |
| Depth goaltender. |
Martin Biron ($875,000)
2011-12 21 Games, 2.46 GAA, 904 sv%
Pretty much the consummate backup, a skilled goalie that won’t take much to play and will play well when put in. Probably will need to be convinced that the Oilers intend to make the playoffs.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Now a veteran, he’s poised and rarely gets rattled after giving up a bad goal. Has good agility and the cockiness needed to play between the pipes. |
| Flaws |
| Has always needed more meat on his bones. Tends to go into prolonged slumps, which has always hurt his ability to cement a starting gig in the NHL. |
| Career Potential |
| Quality backup goaltender and good teammate. |
Defense
What we have:
Whitney : Schultz
Smid : Sutton
Petry(RFA) : ?
Teubert/Peckham(RFA)/Plante(RFA)/Barker(RFA)/Potter
More options here, however only 1 or 2 real outstanding ones (that are bound to get all teams bidding).
Dennis Wideman ($3,937,500)
82 games, 11-35-46 -8 46 pim
From what I know, an offensive defenseman that’ll put up points but may not be the greatest in his own zone. Looks as though he’s good for 40 points a season and seems to have been healthy his entire career.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Owns excellent puck skills and is a quality asset at the point with the man advantage. Can log a lot of minutes and is a solid puck-moving D-man. |
| Flaws |
| Doesn’t play the body nearly enough, and struggles in defensive-zone coverage. Will cough up the puck at the wrong time. Lacks consistency. |
| Career Potential |
| Offensive defenseman. |
Barret Jackman ($3,625,000)
81 games, 1-12-13 +20 57 pim
A defensive defenseman, plays tough and can keep the puck out of his own net. Health may be somewhat of a concern as he missed 20 games in each of the 09/10 and 10/11 seasons.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Plays a sound defensive game. Owns plenty of leadership qualities. Can also play a physical shutdown role when need be. |
| Flaws |
| Doesn’t have a lot of offensive upside. Can get overly-aggressive at times. Has a history of shoulder problems. |
| Career Potential |
| Solid defensive defenseman. |
Ryan Suter ($3,500,000)
79 games, 7-39-46 +15 30 pim
The jewel of the free agent class (along with Parise), Suter is a top pairing defenseman who can put up offense and keep the puck out of his own net. He might be pumped up a bit by playing with Weber, but others say he’s as good but underrated.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Possesses an excellent all-around game. Love to join the attack, and can rack up points on the power play, mainly due to a heavy point shot and pinpoint passing. Loves to hit people, and loves a heavy workload. |
| Flaws |
| Will sometimes chase a big hit, which places himself out of defensive position. |
| Career Potential |
| All-around, big-minute defenseman. |
Matt Carle ($3,437,500)
82 games, 4-34-38 +4 36 pim
I’d rate Carle up there as FA defensemen as I’ve had him in a few years of pools and he’s always done reasonably well for me. I’d rate him up there with Coburn on the Flyers.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Skates very well and is usually in good position. Makes a very good first pass out of his own end. Has solid offensive instincts. Can jump up into the play well. |
| Flaws |
| Isn’t as effective in physical contests as he is when the game is more passive. Can occasionally make a critical blunder in the defensive zone when pressured. Lacks consistency. |
| Career Potential |
| Mobile big-minute defenseman. |
Jason Garrison ($675,000)
77 games, 16-17-33 +6 32 pim
A player who is going to get paid this July, who may very well be a flash in the pan. Only after 3 seasons he hit 16 goals based on a hard shot and some PP time, only hitting 2 and 5 goals in the previous two seasons respectively. Would like him on the team, wouldn’t like to overpay which seems like is coming.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Moves the puck efficiently out of danger. Brings a nice combination of size and speed to the rink. Works hard and is effective on the penalty kill. Plays a safe, mature and steady brand of defense. Also owns a big point shot. |
| Flaws |
| He doesn’t shy away from the physical game, but he isn’t a highly aggressive player defensively–despite excellent size. He’s strong, but needs to continue adding some more power to his game. Has been somewhat injury-prone at lower levels. |
| Career Potential |
| Solid puck-moving defenseman. |
Justin Schultz
NCAA
With not signing with Anaheim, he becomes available and is one of the players that every team seems to be looking at. Not sure if he falls within the ELC terms, or even if he’s any good (only played NCAA so far).
Forwards
What we have:
Hall : Nuge : Eberle
Yakanuts(?) : Gagner(RFA) : Hemsky
Eager : Horcoff : ?
? : Belanger : Jones
Hartikainen/Paajarvi/Lander
A couple players with top-end talent (although, not sure we need that type…but they’d be stupid not to throw a flyer out to Parise I’d think). Mainly I think the team should look at building up the bottom 6.
Zach Parise L ($6,000,000)
82 games, 31-38-69 -5 32 pim
The golden child of this FA (should the Devils not sign him).
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Never stops hustling and possesses the drive, heart and skills of a winner. Has speed to burn defenders one-on-one and owns a true goal-scorer’s shot that he loves to unleash at a moment’s notice. Is a supremely intelligent player. Scores goals in the clutch. |
| Flaws |
| Not big, he needs to continue to withstand the constant pounding that comes with being a scoring star at the highest level. Could use a tad more work on his playmaking skills. Knee problems are a concern moving forward. |
| Career Potential |
| Elite scorer with a great work ethic. |
Dustin Penner L ($4,250,000)
65 games, 7-10-17 -7 43 pim
The oft maligned Penner last played well in Oiler silks (minus this playoff run), and should be able to be signed for cheaper. Would be come back to Edmonton?
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Is one of the biggest physical specimens in the game, but also possesses good hockey sense. Plays his best while standing in front of the net. Can score goals in bunches. |
| Flaws |
| Could stand to use his size more in every game situation. Does not display enough game-to-game consistency. Gets in trouble when he stops moving his feet. |
| Career Potential |
| Inconsistent big scoring winger. |
Brad Boyes R ($4,000,000)
65 games, 8-15-23 +2 6 pim
Absolutely terrible year last year, where nothing went right for him. Should be taking a pay cut, but also started to play well at the end of the year.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has excellent hockey sense and a sniper’s mentality. Also owns playmaking qualities and a deft touch around the net. |
| Flaws |
| Defensively, his transition to wing hasn’t gone as smoothly as his level of production. He’s also a little soft and can get pushed off the puck. |
| Career Potential |
| Inconsistent scoring winger. |
Jarret Stoll C ($3,600,000)
78 games, 6-15-21 +2 60 pim
Do we have too many centers? Can you have too many? Will he come back to Edmonton?
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has excellent two-way ability and sound leadership qualities. Also possesses a wicked shot, grit and face-off skills. Can play the point on power plays. |
| Flaws |
| Doesn’t always play with consistency, which prevents him from taking his game to another level. Has a tendency to rush things in the offensive zone, so he lacks a little patience with the puck. |
| Career Potential |
| Two-way center with a big shot. |
Torrey Mitchell C ($1,366,667)
76 games, 9-10-19 -6 29 pim
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Skates very well and is a very good checker. Has excellent face-off skills and is also solid in penalty-killing situations. Can play both center and wing. |
| Flaws |
| Isn’t skilled enough in the goal-scoring department to hold down a job on the first or second line at the NHL level. Lacks ideal size. |
| Career Potential |
| Versatile checking forward. |
Taylor Pyatt L ($1,000,000)
73 games, 9-10-19 -4 23 pim
Big body, hits lots.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has a good combination of size and skating ability. Is a sound body checker. Defensively aware, he also displays a few flashes of offensive ability. |
| Flaws |
| Lacks the consistency needed to produce quality top-six forward numbers in the NHL. Struggles in the hockey sense department and doesn’t use his size enough. |
| Career Potential |
| Big, versatile defensive winger. |
Blair Betts C ($700,000)
75 games, 5-7-12 -3 8 pim
Good faceoff dude.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Excels on face-offs and all defensive situations, especially on the penalty kill. Has good size for the pivot position. Displays leadership qualities and a sound work ethic. |
| Flaws |
| Injuries, particularly to his shoulder, have done a lot of damage during his career. Has limited scoring and/or playmaking ability. Isn’t particularly fast, which limits his ice time in the NHL. |
| Career Potential |
| Solid defensive center, when healthy. |
Zenon Konopka C ($700,000)
55 games, 3-2-5 -4 193 pim
Funny name.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Comes to play every night and isn’t afraid of dishing out punishment. Possesses some defensive acumen and plays with energy. Can drop the gloves and is also very good on face-offs. |
| Flaws |
| Is a limited talent in the offensive zone and only suited for a fourth-line role. Must avoid taking too many bad penalties that place his team in a tough spot. |
| Career Potential |
| Versatile, tough depth forward. |
John Mitchell C ($750,000)
63 games, 5-11-16 +10 8 pim
Played for the leafs at some point…I think Cherry loved him.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Is somewhat versatile and displays a solid work rate. Possesses some two-way upside and pretty good size. |
| Flaws |
| Lacks the extra gear in the skating department that would help him produce more offense at the NHL level. Has trouble staying within his limitations. |
| Career Potential |
| Depth forward with versatility. |
Paul Gaustad C ($2,300,000)
70 games, 7-14-21 -1 76 pim
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has a massive frame and an aggressive nature. Is solid at both ends of the ice and a notable complementary forward. Can play both center and wing. He’s brilliant in the dot. |
| Flaws |
| Is limited in the goal-scoring department at the highest level. Needs to play with more consistency in the offensive zone. |
| Career Potential |
| Aggressive defensive forward. |
Scott Parse R ($900,000)
9 games, 2-0-2 +1 14 pim
Injured early in the year, from what I read is supposed to be a player.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Has sound playmaking instincts. Can play on either wing. Skates well and has some scoring ability at the NHL level. |
| Flaws |
| Isn’t a physical player, nor does he have a lot of consistency in his game. Needs to get physically stronger in order to become a better NHLer. |
| Career Potential |
| Diminutive but skilled winger. |
George Parros R ($875,000)
46 games, 1-3-4 +1 85 pim
Le moustachio’d one.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Will fight anyone in the league. Has plenty of size and strength, and generally knows how/when to use it. Is a good role player and team-oriented individual. |
| Flaws |
| Is extremely limited in both the skating and scoring departments, which prevents him from becoming more than a fourth-line presence. |
| Career Potential |
| Heavyweight enforcer. |
Steve Bernier R ($525,000)
32 games, 1-5-6 +6 16 pim
Played for the Devils though the entire run, how bad can he be…well except for untimely hits from behind.
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Owns good size and some untapped scoring potential. Can play the role of power forward effectively in short spurts. Is also a decent penalty-killer. |
| Flaws |
| Lacks consistency. Needs more work on his skating in order to emerge as a consistent scoring threat. His physical conditioning has been an issue. |
| Career Potential |
| Physical depth winger |
Brandon Prust R ($800,000)
82 games, 5-12-17 -1 156 pim
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Works hard and loves to get in the face of his opponents. Has solid defensive instincts, is an aggressive forechecker and excellent penalty killer. An outstanding team guy that leads by example, he’ll rumble with anyone. |
| Flaws |
| Won’t score a lot of points at the National Hockey League level, since he lacks above-average speed and overall natural skill. Takes on all comers, so he tends to play hurt a lot. |
| Career Potential |
| Physical agitating defensive winger. |
Tanner Glass L ($750,000)
78 games, 5-11-16 -12 73 pim
As per SBNation:
| Assets |
|---|
| Likes to be involved in physical contests and is never afraid of throwing his weight around. Is a solid team player, can drop the gloves and play either wing. |
| Flaws |
| Is extremely limited in terms of natural offensive ability. May sometimes take a bad penalty to put his team behind the eight-ball. |
| Career Potential |
| Rugged depth winger. |
Finally
I think that the Oilers should take a run at Suter, and if we miss out on that take a shot at Carle. Couldn’t hurt to see if Schultz and Garrison are available but I’d be concerned about overpaying on those players.
They should also see if they could pry Biron out of NY, and if not then let Danis have another shot but actually have him in the NHL as opposed to the A. Let’s see if Khabibulin can win the Barons a few games.
As for forwards, I wouldn’t mind seeing Parros or Prust looked at, and possibly a big body like Pyatt.
- Metal&Oil:
- Racki:
- hemmerlady:
- Trogdor:
- Steve-O:
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Themocracy
I like the idea of bringing back Jarret Stoll. I’m not so sure the Kings let him go.. I mean, I think they’ll do what they can to re-sign him, but if not, I think he’d be a great player to have back. He brings decent size, and is a great pker/checker, and can put up OK numbers.
I will talk about this more in a future post, probably, in what I think the Oilers should do with this #1 pick if they intend to trade it (which is the rumor).
Suter has to be a no brainer; hockey smarts, strong skater, ability to put up points as well as knock the crap out out of opposing players on every shift… all while putting up 20+ minutes/night! Besides giving the Oilers defence instant cred, he is exactly what our young Dmen (Klefbom, Petry, Peckham, Tuebert) need for a mentor. Would love to land Carle as well. Also a huge Harding fan & would be pretty satisfied with a Dubnyk/Harding tandem in net while Khabi finishes his contract out in OKC, Burger Baron, or his couch. As much as I appreciated Penner as an Oiler & we certainly got a couple decent seasons; I have a feeling he will go into full cruise control now that he has a 2nd cup under his belt so it’s a no for me.
On Suter, would love to have him. Weber would be my preference though, but since he’s RFA, he’d be harder to acquire (i.e. trade needed). Suter will almost undoubtedly go to the Red Wings though, if the Preds don’t re-sign him. I think one of Suter or Weber will be going there… or New York (Rangers). I would love a guy like Suter here though.
I will point out though… we’re going to have to kiss a D man goodbye (Aside from Cam Barker, which should also be a no-brainer) if we want to acquire someone else. Currently at the NHL level we’ll have: Petry, Peckham, Potter, Sutton, Smid, Schultz, Whitney.
I really think the Oilers should have a good chat with a team with solid D (such as Nashville) and pry a stud d-man away. We’ll have our 1st, one of the D above, Gagner perhaps.. and some other assets available.
Our D really needs help, so we have a tough choice to make, unfortunately. There isn’t a guy in that list that I’m really dying to let go.
The goalie pool sucks. Harding being the top guy…..I would be a bit gun shy and you know Philly will sign him. A truly food goalie will have to be traded for. Perhaps Bernier. I would target Jackman. Big, tough, nasty and good. We need that. I too am wary of Schultz, but Mackenzie says of NYR get him, Del Zotto is available. Could be interesting.
Harding would be ideal at a decent price, but he’ll likely try and capitalize. A trade for Bobrovski might be possible.
See this post: http://puttingonthefoil.com/2012/06/pre-draft-trade-thoughts/#comment-49695 for a few other ideas.
Jackman just signed so we can take him off the list.
And Harding just signed 3-years 1.9 avg…take him off the list (and that’s a damn good price!)