The Edmonton Oilers have made their third signing of the afternoon. After locking up Milan Lucic and Jonas Gustavsson, the team has signed Mark Fraser to a one-year, two-way deal.
Mark Fraser agrees to 1 year, two way contract with the Oilers.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
The deal provides more defensive depth for the Oilers as an organization. Money was not disclosed, at least yet, but I think it is safe to assume that this will be a relatively cheap contract. Fraser spent the 2015-16 season in the AHL in the Ottawa organization.
Scouting Report:
Fraser, who played for the Oilers during the 2013-14 season, is a very physical defender who plays a shut-down style. Here is his scouting report via The Hockey News:
| Assets: | Has good size, decent mobility and the ability to play a physical game from the back end. Usually plays it safe in the defensive zone. |
| Flaws: | Doesn’t have a lot of offensive ability, so he’s never going to play regular minutes on the power play. Needs to show greater consistency. |
| Career Potential: | Physical depth defenseman. |
Thoughts:
Can you say depth deal? I know a lot of Oiler fans are flipping out because Fraser once played for the team, but this is not a move for the NHL club. Fraser is, at this point of his career, an AHL defender who can move up and play a few games if injuries hit the big club.
To me, this is nothing more than a depth move for the Oilers. I’d expect Fraser to come to camp and compete, but end up in Bakersfield on opening night playing for the Condors. He may get a few games during the regular season, but I think he’s going to spend 2016-17 in California.
This move does stick out to me for one reason, however. Fraser is a LHD, and we know the Oilers have a plethora of them. Could the Oilers be preparing to move a LHD or two? I think it’s more than possible.
More as it happens.
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