Oilers defense strategy post-Broberg: a shift in approach?
After the departure of Philip Broberg to St. Louis, following a surprising offer sheet, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly strategizing an enhancement to their defensive lineup.
During a recent OilersNow podcast, insider Bob Stauffer alluded to the possibility of the team extending a tryout contract to a seasoned NHL defenseman with previous ties to Coach Kris Knoblauch. Given this criterion, only a handful of names surface as probable candidates.
Among the free agents, Travis Dermott, Jarred Tinordi, and Libor Hajek have all been under Knoblauch's coaching at various points in their careers, making them likely considerations for the Oilers. Travis Dermott emerges as the most experienced option among them, boasting 329 NHL games with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes. Dermott's connection with Knoblauch dates back to their time at the Erie Otters from 2013 to 2016. Now at 27, his extensive league experience and familiarity with Knoblauch's methods could make him a valuable addition.
Jarred Tinordi, aged 32, has had a more tumultuous NHL journey. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round back in 2010, he has oscillated between the NHL and AHL, with his most consistent playtime occurring in Chicago over the past two years. Knoblauch's brief coaching stint with Tinordi at the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack in the 2021-22 season provides a foundational relationship that might tip the scales in his favor.
Libor Hajek, another alumnus from Knoblauch's time with Hartford and a second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning, has seen considerable NHL action with the New York Rangers, playing in 110 games. At 26, Hajek brings a mix of youth and experience that could be an asset for the Oilers.
As the Oilers look to fortify their defense, they might lean on internal options like Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, and Josh Brown in the interim. However, the potential addition of a seasoned veteran like Dermott, Tinordi, or Hajek could provide the depth and stability needed at the outset of what promises to be a challenging season. Additionally, the Oilers are likely to remain active in the trade market, possibly seeking an impact defender as the trade deadline approaches.
The coming weeks before training camp will be crucial for Edmonton as they recalibrate their roster, aiming to maintain competitive edge in the fiercely contested NHL landscape.
Source for all statistics: HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
Do you believe a defenseman will sign a tryout contract with the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 93.1 % |
| No, they have enough already | 2 | 6.9 % |
| See Results | 0 | 0 % |
| List of polls | ||
