The highly anticipated regular season is right around the corner, and the continued scrutiny of the Oilers defensive core has only intensified.
The Oilers signed Josh Brown during the NHL offseason to a 3 year deal worth $1 MM AAV per season. Brown was brought in to fill the shoes of the departed Vincent Desharnais, who was a towering figure on the Oilers blue-line. According to insider Seravalli, the Oilers are pulling the trigger on Brown for the season opener, but it's no reflection of his performance thus far. NHL insider Frank Seravalli explained on OilersNow that the Oilers have to give Brown a fair shot in the lineup, otherwise it'd be a poor look to other free agents.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Unfortunately, Brown made consistent glaring errors in preseason, and paired with the million dollar salary and three year term, it looks like a questionable signing already. Seravalli pointed out the fact the Oilers likely could've got a player just like Brown at league minimum salary on waivers.
If the Oilers sent Brown packing due to a couple bad preseason games, Seravalli suggests that it would be a really bad look for the Oilers. Seravalli makes a really valid point - if the Oilers don't give brown a fair shot, it may deter future UFA's from giving the Oilers serious consideration.
It's safe to say that Brown should mentally prepare to be sharp for the season opener. If he fails to perform, his job could be in serious jeopardy.
source: Oilers Daily
Insider Reveals Real Reason Why Oilers Will Play Worst Defenceman in Game One
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Do you think Josh Brown will eventually go on waivers? | ||
Yes | 94 | 79.7 % |
No | 24 | 20.3 % |
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