As we all know, the Edmonton Oilers are in great need for a
defenceman. Some people in Oil Country are thinking of Steve Tambellini
drafting a young defenceman at the NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh this June, and
with good reason. It became apparent to everyone that the Oilers need a good defender in the top 4, who can move the puck over the course of this
past NHL Regular Season, as well as before. However, it seems that most people
are forgetting about one person in particular whom the Oilers will send a major
pitch for. His name is Justin Schultz of the Anaheim Ducks.
Schultz, was
drafted by Anaheim in 2008, 43rd Overall (second round), and has
been playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the WCHA and, was named
to the All-WCHA Team this past season, as well as last season. At 6’ 1” 185lbs,
he would be a good pick-up for the Edmonton Oilers.
HockeysFuture.com has said
of Schultz;
“He has a complete
offensive game, capable of igniting plays from his own zone, carrying the puck
through the neutral zone and making confident, creative plays in the offensive
zone”.
But how will the
Oilers go about acquiring him? Right now, they have two options: they could
wait for him to go to Free-Agency on July 1st or, they could make a
trade to acquire him from the Ducks now. In my opinion, it could be pretty
risky to wait until July 1st, as there will definitely be many teams
vying for his signature on a contract. So, the second option would probably be
the better of the two. But who/what does Edmonton give up? To me, Omark will be
leaving Edmonton this off-season anyway, as he requested a trade after the
season ended so, he is a good start. Omark was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers
in the 4th Round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 97th Overall. Omark,
as we all have seen in Oil Country, he has some great potential as an offensive
player, and would fit well in the Anaheim Ducks organization. Is he a Top-6
NHLer? That remains to be seen but, he is definitely a gifted player. He would
probably do good to be in a different organization as well. Also, if the Oilers
are serious about acquiring Justin Schultz (which they are), they may even
offer a Draft Pick in the deal. I think that the 63rd Overall Pick
in the 3rd Round would be the highest that they would send, if they
were to also include a Draft Pick in the deal.
Now even if the
trade was consummated, it is not a 100% thing that Schultz would sign with
Edmonton, but it isn’t a big risk. Think about it. Who in their right mind
would not want to have a chance to play with Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins,
(Nail Yakupov) and the rest of this talented core of Edmonton Oilers?! Schultz
will want a multi-year deal, probably 2-3 years, which isn’t a problem for the Oilers
as they do have some cap space right now. It is also speculated that the NHL
Salary Cap will go up to U.S. $70 Million+ with the new CBA next season which,
will help the Oilers to retain all this talent in the long run.
So Oilers Fans, it
is apparent to me that the Oilers management will make a pitch to the Ducks for
Schultz, which would make it MUCH easier for them to nail Yakupov at the NHL
Entry Draft with their historic 3rd consecutive 1st
Overall Pick. Be it before or after the Draft, we in Oil Country
may see OUR team get the two players we need and want this off-season. Times are
indeed beginning to be good to be Oilers fans.
Go Oilers,
Go!!!
By Paul Neumann
I would like to see Oilers go after Justin Schultz and Peter Holland of the Ducks.
ReplyDeleteOffer a conditional 2nd if they can approach his agent about a contract first. Sounds like Anaheim wants to charge Toronto with tampering so get in there before July.
ReplyDeleteI like the conditional offer given should he sign with the Oilers. That conditional could be our 2nd round 2013 we got from Anaheim for Cogliano.
ReplyDeleteI myself would only offer say Omark and a 6th round to start negotionations but a conditional as well should he sign. Good article Paul!
I think you're right. Trade something + something conditional upon signing. But do it now.
ReplyDeleteAs much as we all think this is a good idea, I really worry that Tanby is so slow at his job we will miss out and someone will step up to the plate before us. I truly hope Tamby is proactive on this one. If he can pull this one off, Oil Country would be pretty happy.
ReplyDeleteHave to admit though, I am a little sceptical how good a player he really is in his first year, but it is worth the chance.
No one is biting at Peter Holland a big 2-way center with potential.
ReplyDeleteNo familiar at all with Holland. If no one is biting could their be a reason? Can't really comment much but will look into the player now that you have mentioned it.
ReplyDeleteHere is some info regarding Peter Holland
ReplyDeletehttp://prospects.dobbersports.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4267:peter-holland&catid=40:anaheim-ducks&Itemid=166