Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has specifically mentioned adding a puck-moving defender who can run a powerplay as something he’d like to get done. Colorado defender Tyson Barrie seems to be the preferred target of fans and media alike, but he may not be available. Barrie filed for arbitration on Tuesday afternoon and if he is moved, many teams are expected to be in the bidding. There is no guarantee that its Edmonton that gets him.
There are other, albeit not as sexy, options to fill this hole. One of those options is a recently bought out veteran defender who is battling back from injuries. James Wisniewski has been a serviceable defender ever since he entered the NHL, and he is currently looking for work.
Wisniewski missed all but one shift of the 2015-16 season when he tore his ACL on opening night with the Hurricanes. After having surgery shortly thereafter, he’s reportedly fully recovered and ready to go. Jim Matheson even reported that he’s done some heavy lifting and walking recently on the golf course.
Wisniewski caddied for Jason Day at the Memorial outside Columbus a few weeks back too. That’s a lot of walking, lugging heavy bag.
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) June 30, 2016
If Wisniewski is in fact healthy, could he be a good buy-low candidate for the Oilers at a position of need? He’s certainly got the potential to be a nice pickup for a team looking for defensive help, especially a team looking for help on the man advantage and puck movement wise.
The Scouting Report:
As I have in the past, I turn things over to The Hockey News for their scouting report on the player.
| Assets: | Has plenty of offensive capability, including the skills to play the point on the power play, as well as a howitzer of a shot. Is aggressive by nature; he’ll drop the mitts and defend his mates. Skates well and is at his best in an up-tempo system. |
| Flaws: | Lacks discipline as a defender, including his positioning, decision-making and over-aggressiveness at times. Would be a more valuable defenseman if he played a more controlled game. Injuries can be a major issue for him. Is also in decline. |
| Career Potential: | Veteran defenseman in decline, when healthy. |
Things that stick out here? Wisniewski is lauded for his powerplay ability, his big shot from the point and his physicality. The report also mentions that he is a good skater and plays best in an up-temp system, which makes him a really nice fit for the Oilers.
The report also mentions that Wis is in decline, which is never a good thing. The 32 year old defender has eleven seasons of NHL hockey under his belt and, as I mentioned above, is coming off of a major injury. There’s no doubt some risk in signing this player.
That said, the strengths in James Wisniewski’s game perfectly match what the Edmonton Oilers are currently looking for in a defender. If he can keep up with the forwards, help on the man advantage and get the puck up to McDavid and company, he’ll be a good addition to the club.
Also of note: Wisniewski is a right shot defender.
Final Thoughts:
If the Oilers lose out on Barrie and Cam Fowler, which is distinctly possible considering there are many suitors for those two players, then adding a guy like Wisniewski on a one-year deal is a nice bet. On a one-year deal there is minimal risk and you wouldn’t have to worry about protecting him in the upcoming expansion draft.
Another potential upside? After a season on the shelf, Wisniewski is not in a position to demand much in the way of money. In fact, I’d wager that he could be had on a bargain contract, something in the neighborhood of $1.5 million for the season.
If Edmonton added Wis, he could play heavy PP minutes while playing a third pairing role with, say, Brandon Davidson right off the hop. It isn’t an insane role and it allows him to play to his strengths. Is Klefbom-Larsson, Sekera-Fayne, Davidson-Wisniewski a solid blue line? It’s certainly a big improvement on last year and it allows more development time for Darnell Nurse and Griffin Reinhart.
He may not be the top option, but if Edmonton truly wants to add a powerplay weapon, they should do their homework on James Wisniewski.
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