Every single summer, we see multiple bodies come and go from every NHL organization, at least a dozen names from each organization get moved out or brought in. It’s called silly season for a reason, my friends.
One of the parts of this process is the RFA re-signing phase, which is effectively underway now. For the Edmonton Oilers, they have a number of decisions to make on a number of young players. Some of these guys deserve another look, some of these guys have had injury issues, while some just flat out have not developed.
The List:
Who are the players that the Oilers could purge this summer? Let’s take a look at every RFA in the organization, listed by position.
* Forwards: Tyler Pitlick, Curtis Hamilton, Matt Fraser, Kellan Lain
* Defenders: Keith Aulie, Justin Schultz, Brandon Davidson, Martin Marincin
* Goalies: Tyler Bunz, Frans Tuohimaa
Already Gone:
Fran Tuohimaa has already said goodbye, not even waiting for the off-season to kick into gear. Not surprising, as his two-year tenure simply was a nightmare. This past season, he posted a .876 SV% in 33 ECHL games. That’s a terrible mark in the ‘AA’ league, not good for him.
He signed a contract with Leksands IF (Finland) back on May 18th. His tenure is done as an Oiler prospect.
The Rest Of The Bunch:
D Brandon Davidson: I think there is a 100% chance the Oilers re-sign him. He was arguably the Barons’ best defender in the post-season, and was their most reliable shut-down option all season. On top of that, he showed well in his NHL stint late in the year. He has fans in the organization, and fits the Chiarelli mold. Could be the seventh D on opening night.
D Justin Schultz: I just don’t see how Schultz isn’t in Edmonton next season. The Oilers aren’t going to walk away, and even though I think they should look to trade his rights, that could be a tough situation too. The most likely outcome is another one-year deal around the same $3.675 million. Oh, and a prayer that Todd McLellan figures him out.
F Tyler Pitlick: This is close, but I think the Oilers bring Pitlick back. He showed well at the end of 2013-14, and looked good this season when he was in the line-up. His biggest issue? Injuries still. A spleen injury, among others, took out a large chunk of his season.
He doesn’t score much at all, but he’s a decent role player and plays a physical style. He’s a Chiarelli type player and can be signed cheap. Don’t see the harm in another one-year deal.
G Tyler Bunz: Unfortunately for Bunz, his time in Edmonton is up. He was never able to establish himself in the AHL, and had numerous ugly ECHL seasons, capped by this year and his .890 SV% in Wichita. No chance he returns.
D Keith Aulie: Matty already hinted at Aulie leaving, and I think he’s right. While he was a decent depth defender who provided size and toughness, Aulie was painfully slow and terrible with the puck. As Brandon Davidson knocks on the door, I think Aulie gets kicked to the curb.
D Martin Marincin: I like Marincin a lot, but for some reason the Oilers do not. It might be his lack of physical play or his lack of points, but something ticks off the guys in the suits with this organization. Regardless, Marincin is a solid young defender who can handle the tough minutes and perform well. Not a sexy player, but a steady defender already.
I suspect Edmonton looks to trade his rights in a package for a top-four defender. Personally, I hope Chiarelli quiets the madness and re-signs him. That said, I have my doubts, which is why Marty is in this category.
F Kellan Lain: Big AHL forward brought in for Will Acton. Barely played in OKC due to injury. No way he’s brought back.
F Curtis Hamilton: Injuries ruined Hamilton’s key development years. He’s a versatile forward in the sense that he can do a lot of things well. He isn’t a black hole offensively in the AHL either, although he clearly is not a world beater. I think the Slepyshev signing does him in, but it’ll be close.
F Matt Fraser: Too slow and not enough offensive punch. Yes, he has a great shot and is a smart player, but he can’t get to the spots he needs to be in. That’s a problem. Chiarelli flushed him in Boston, and I suspect he flushes him again this summer in Edmonton.
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