Dumpster Diving, Oilers Edition!

With training camp just over a week away, there are a number of NHL veterans still on the free agent market that could be of assistance to teams like Edmonton. We’ve seen a few teams go this route already, New Jersey invited Tomas Kaberle and have been rumored to have invited Scott Gomez to camp, while Boston has extended invites to Simon Gagne and Ville Leino.

Edmonton still has center depth issues, and of course is still looking for a fourth line right winger to player with Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon. It wouldn’t come as a shock if Edmonton went out and got another Hendricks type player. Is there someone that can help in these areas that may be willing to come to camp and give it a go?

Ray Whitney – Right Wing: The veteran, and yes, former Oiler, is still going strong. Sure, his offense has decreased in recent years, but he is still a solid player and appears to have another year left in him. Whitney isn’t built in the mold of Hendricks or Gordon, but he’s a solid veteran that is defensively aware and could be decent in a defensive role. That said, his strength is offense, and if Edmonton were to bring him in I’d imagine it’s to challenge for a spot where he could put up some points.

Dustin Penner – Left Winger: Penner doesn’t play right wing, but he could still slide in on the fourth line. Hendricks is capable of playing both sides, and could easily shift over if Edmonton decided to sign a left winger. Penner is a great possession player, a solid NHL’er, can put up points, and is defensively responsible. He also scratches the itch of size, and can move up the lineup if need be. Personally, I already would have invited him to training camp.

Jordin Tootoo – Right Wing: Tootoo isn’t someone that would exactly excite me, but I could easily see Edmonton offering him a tryout. He’s a tough guy that has a lot of NHL experience, has handled a bottom line role before, and has shown a better ability to play a regular shift than guys like Luke Gazdic. That being said, Tootoo isn’t exactly a great NHL player, and was cast off by the Red Wings for a reason. He could provide Edmonton with an enforcer with Gazdic on the shelf however.

Ryan Carter – Forward: Carter is listed as a left winger some places, and a center in other spots. He’s a bottom-six winger that the Devils have yet to re-sign. Carter won’t provide much offense at all, but he’s a solid defensive player that prevents offense and provides that kind of bottom-six guy Edmonton needs. Sure, he’s a bottom line player, but for a shut-down line he might be a great fit.

He’s decently physical, has solid size, isn’t a bad possession player, and can handle the rigors of defense first hockey. No, he isn’t a sexy name, but he may be a really solid fit on the fourth line with Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon, heck he could be the next Matt Hendricks and on a bargain contract.

The Overview:

None of these players will make or break Edmonton this upcoming season, but the goal is to always get better, and all of these players can help Edmonton get better one way or another. Personally, I’d be looking heavily into both Penner and Carter as camp invites.