The front office has loaded up on offensive skilled players through the draft in recent years and that has hurt the back line, but reports have several talented defenders on the team’s radar and that could move this franchise back into a playoff contender in the upcoming NHL season.
Mike Green has reportedly told the Washington Capitals he won’t be returning to the squad, instead he will turn his attention to the free agent market. With the money the Oilers have to spend and their need for a veteran presence on the back line, it appears these two could be a perfect match.
While Green didn’t have a great Stanley Cup Playoff showing, he once again proved his worth over the course of the entire year. The 29-year-old scored 45 total points during the regular season, the fourth time he has achieved this total in his career and those numbers alone will make the veteran a hot commodity in the coming weeks.
The former first round pick has shown flashes of brilliance, especially when healthy and after playing over 140 games in the past two years, he has shown the injury concerns that hit him have passed. With 360 career points and a +58 total when on the ice, he’s just the NHL veteran this squad could use to get back on track.
Edmonton is on path to become a winning organization once again and with a solid signing or two during the off season, the Oilers could become one of the eight best teams in the Western Conference and in the near future, reminding their faithful fans of the championship teams of their past.
