When talking about powerplay options for the defense this summer, Edmonton Oiler fans often forget about Alex Goligoski of the Dallas Stars. While not being a sexy name, Goligoski has carved a nice career out for himself down in the lone star state. The quick skating defender posted 5-32-37 in 82 games with the Stars this past season. He’s an offensive defender through and through. Oh, and he’s a pending UFA and will be available for nothing but money.
Why Is He Out There?:
The Stars will be up against the cap this coming summer and have some decisions to make. The team needs to re-sign players like Patrick Eaves, Val Nichushkin, Kris Russell, Jason Demers and Jamie Oleksiak. On top of that, the Stars need to make room for top defensive prospects Julius Honka, Stephen Johns and Esa Lindell.
Letting a veteran defender like Goligoski or Demers walk seems to be the path that Dallas will take this off-season. A team like Edmonton may benefit from that.
What Does He Do Well?:
Goligoski is an interesting player because he’s not talked about a lot and we don’t get to see him too much because he is in Dallas. That said, the veteran is an exceptional puck-moving defender. He has the ability to get the puck to the attacking forwards and can get the play moving in the right direction. The Oilers lack defenders with that skill-set.
On top of that, Goligoski would fit in because he is a mobile defender. He’s fit in quite well with Dallas’ quick group of forwards, so he should be able to wheel-and-deal with the likes of Connor McDavid, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. That mobility, along with his hockey sense, allows him to be a true threat to jump into the rush.
While not overly big, Goligoski still plays a physical style when he needs to. Lastly, he can handle big minutes. The rearguard averaged 23:50 per game this past season.
This is a mobile offensive defender who is capable of playing big minutes. The Oilers simply do not have that kind of player right now.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
If Goligoski signed with the Oilers this summer, he would take a top-four role on the left-side. Most likely, he would start on the top-pairing opposite of Andrej Sekera, who would move over to the right side. While Oscar Klefbom is a more all-around player, Goligoski is currently a better option and should take the top role for 2016-17.
Goligoski’s average TOI would suggest that he can handle a top-pairing role, but Dallas was looking for alternatives back at the deadline. I would be more comfortable with him on the second-pairing, which is probably the ideal spot. That said, the Oilers don’t have that luxury so he’ll need to take a featured role.
What Will He Cost:
As a UFA, Goligoski would only cost the Oilers money this summer. At 30 years old, the team needs to be careful with how much term they give him. That said, the player will likely be looking for a four-to-five year deal and will likely command somewhere around $5 million per season.
That may be an overpay for a defender who is not a solid top-pairing option in the NHL.
Closing Argument:
We know that the Oilers are desperate for defensive help this off-season. If they miss out on the top RHD options and need to get creative, then Alex Goligoski should be on the white board. He’s an offensive defender who can handle a powerplay role and who can help this unit right away.
He’s not ideal, the team would need to shift Sekera to the right side, but Alex Goligoski should at least be looked at as an option come July 1st.
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