Oilers Lose Depth Defenseman Desharnais to Canucks in Free Agency
In a significant shift within the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers' roster sees a notable change as Vincent Desharnais departs for the Vancouver Canucks via free agency.
The defenseman, originally drafted in the seventh round by the Oilers in 2016, has inked a two-year contract with the Canucks, valued at $2 million annually. The move brings a potential upswing in Desharnais' responsibilities, as projections place him in the Canucks' regular second pairing next season.
Desharnais' professional journey is marked by a steadfast climb through the ranks, including stints in the ECHL and AHL, before making his NHL debut at nearly 27 years of age. Over his tenure with the Oilers, which spanned 114 games, Desharnais displayed both potential and areas of concern. His performance saw fluctuations, particularly in puck-moving and skating ability, which occasionally left him vulnerable against nimble forwards. This inconsistency eventually led to his decreased ice time during critical playoff moments, as the Oilers shifted their reliance to younger defenseman Philip Broberg.
The decision by the Canucks to position Desharnais in a more prominent role raises questions about the match between the player's capabilities and the team's expectations. While the contract represents a low-risk investment for the Canucks, the elevation to a second-pairing defenseman could be a gamble if Desharnais struggles to meet the demands of a top-four D-man role.
Meanwhile, the Oilers are not without their challenges. The team has demonstrated formidable potential, nearly reaching Stanley Cup glory, driven largely by their offensive talents. However, defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring hindrance, often exploited by opposing teams. With the departure of Desharnais and ongoing issues within their defensive lineup, particularly concerning the Nurse and Ceci pair, the Oilers might find themselves in the market for defensive enhancements as the season progresses.
Both the Oilers and the Canucks face pivotal decisions in shoring up their defenses if they are to contend seriously for the Stanley Cup. As the new season approaches, the impact of Desharnais' departure and his integration into the Canucks will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, marking another intriguing chapter in NHL player movement.
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Desharnais can rank among the Canucks' top four defensemen? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 30 % |
| No | 77 | 70 % |
| List of polls | ||
