With Sean Bergenheim last Sunday, we concluded our look at potential left wing options for the Oilers this summer. Today, we move on to the final position, right wing. We start with a power-forward, one connected to the Oilers for years because of his size, physical play and skill. His name is Chris Stewart.
Stewart was a huge part of an emerging Colorado core just a few years ago, but was shockingly traded over night to St. Louis in a deal that sent Erik Johnson to Denver. Now, after a few more moves to Buffalo and Minnesota, Stewart finds himself as a pending free agent.
Why Is He Out There:
At the deadline, Minnesota went out and acquired Stewart to provide some added toughness and secondary scoring. While he was good for the Wild, the odds of him returning are not. Why? Well the Wild need to re-sign G Devan Dubnyk, and will look to make a few more additions in other spots.
The Wild need to create cap space, and allowing a guy like Stewart to walk is the perfect way to do so.
What Does He Do Well:
Chris Stewart is the typical NHL power-forward. He has exceptional size, standing in at 6’2” and 231 pounds, while playing a physical style. Stewart is more than willing to throw his body around, and will drop the gloves when the situation arises.
That size and physical ability makes Stewart and terrific option along the boards. According to The Hockey News, Stewart does his best work when battling in the corners. While he isn’t an elite offensive player, he wins more than his fair share of battles.
Even though he is a big guy, Stewart has some wheels. He’s able to keep up with the skilled players and can rush up the ice without getting left behind.
Stewart’s offensive ability comes from goal scoring, not play-making. Stewart does what it takes to put the puck in the net, including going to the dirty areas. He’s not Ryan Smyth, but he’s willing to put his big frame in front of the net, and is an ideal option for a screen.
On top of that, Stewart possesses a terrific and dangerous shot. He’s a threat from anywhere in the offensive zone when he has the puck on his stick.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play:
Chris Stewart should be playing inside the top-six of a team’s forward group. He’s a perfect second line winger who provides enough scoring to have an impact. In Edmonton, he’d likely slot in on the third line, behind both Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov. He’d be a very good fit in Edmonton’s top-nine.
What Will He Cost:
At age 27, Stewart still has a fair amount of gas left in the tank. That said, he’s coming off of a rough season, and could be had for less money than once thought. I’d suggest a two year deal with a $3 million per year price tag gets it done.
Closing Arguments:
Peter Chiarelli is looking for big players who are tough to play against and who have skill. Chris Stewart might be the best option for that on the free agent market. Added to that, Chiarelli clearly likes the player, as he chased after him at the deadline while in Boston this past season.
Stewart has the size, the physical ability and the scoring touch to be a valuable piece of the puzzle moving forward. If the money isn’t too crazy, then the Oilers should pursue this player.
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