The Oilers are expected to make a key signing in the coming days

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Finnegan Frost
October 6, 2024 (11:00 PM)

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According to Oilers insider Jim Matheson, it looks like PTO candidate Travis Dermott has earned himself a contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers made a boat load of splashes yesterday by waiving big D-man Josh Brown. This indicates the that Edmonton Oilers aren't interested in carrying 8 defenders during the regular season, leaving the door wide open for Travis Dermott. To be fair, Dermott has had a fantastic pre season campaign, and a minimum league contract is well deserved.

As per Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Dermott is a 27 year old left shot defenceman that was drafted in the second round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He's a smooth skating defender, able to make a play, and has positive analytics by all accounts. He's played 329 career games in his career and made a few playoff appearances, but struggled last season with the Arizona Coyotes. The Oilers can likely get a lot more out of him than Arizona.

Despite still not being signed as training camp concludes, Dermott was still at practice today and was seen having a long chat with Coach Knoblauch. After practice, Knoblauch raved about Dermott's camp and only said time will tell if he is signed. Dermott is a former player of Knoblauch's in junior, and is also a lifelong friend of Connor McDavid.

Travis Dermott has also developed a close bond with assistant bench boss Paul Coffey. Dermott recently praised Coffey's coaching style, admitting that Coffey's mentorship has been beneficial for his overall confidence.

According to Matheson, the Oilers will be signing Travis Dermott in the coming days. Although his contract is well deserved, his spot on the team is far from secure. The Oilers will be continuing their search for depth defenders, with Hartford Wolpack's Matthew Robertson now being linked to the team. Fans can expect a two-way contract regarding Dermott's deal with the Oilers.