Back in the summer of 2008, I would patrol the Edmonton Oilers message board on the team’s website and talk with fans about possible additions for the team in the coming off-season. That spring, I mentioned adding Mike Comrie as a third line center. I had about fifteen people tell he would never be an Oiler again and that was that. Ironically, I’m young enough where I wasn’t fully aware of Comrie’s previous stint and exit from Edmonton.
Over a year later, Mike was back in Edmonton in a shocking development. Could Jason Chimera, a gritty veteran leader, be the next version of Comrie? The Edmonton native left years ago, but under a new management team and with a new superstar, could he return and end his career with the Oilers?
Why Is He Out There?:
The Washington Capitals somehow were eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs again this spring. Falling short like that after a historically good regular season is bound to bring forth some changes to the organization.
The Capitals don’t have any key free agents to re-sign, but the team will need to make some improvements, mostly on the defensive end. The 37 year old Chimera may be allowed to walk (if he doesn’t retire) so Washington can open up a little bit of cap space.
The team also has Riley Barber waiting in the wings for a roster spot. Barber is arguably the team’s top prospect that is currently pro.
What Does He Do Well?:
Chimera brings a few things that the Oilers are sorely lacking. First off, the veteran brings size, standing in at 6’3” and 213 pounds. In terms of physical ability, Chimera is a player who is willing to bang and get into it with the opposition. This is also a player who, according to his The Hockey News scouting report, excels on the forecheck.
Offensively, Chimera had a very good year in 2015-16 as he notched 20-20-40 in 82 games. He’s got a decent shot and a knack for going to the net, which is lacking in the Oiler lineup. The one issue with him offensively? Chimera is a very inconsistent player.
Special teams wise, Chimera is a very solid penalty killer, one of the best the Capitals had last season. He’s also been a leader his entire career and has worn a letter on multiple occasions. I know it isn’t measurable, but the Oilers could use more veteran leaders like Chimera.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
If Edmonton signed Jason Chimera, he would play on the team’s third or fourth line depending on other moves. Both Taylor Hall and Patrick Maroon are ahead of Chimera in terms of ability and spot on the depth chart. If Edmonton keeps Benoit Pouliot, which I’d be surprised, then Chimera would take a fourth line role. With a trade, he goes to the third line.
In an ideal situation, this is a bottom six winger. He’d be playing in the right spot with the Oilers.
What Will He Cost?:
At 37 years old, Chimera will almost certainly be playing on a one-year contract in 2016-17. Now, there is a chance that he retires, but I’d be surprised if he hung up the skates after a 40 point season.
Salary wise, the veteran made $2,000,000 last season. I’d expect him to clock in right around that number again if he comes back, so a one-year deal at $2,000,000 is the likely price in my mind.
Closing Argument:
Jason Chimera is a solid NHL player and is still producing even at the age of 37. If he and the Capitals part ways this summer, then Edmonton would be a solid landing spot. The Oilers need another big body in their bottom six and they need more veteran leadership. Chimera would provide both of those things and he can still play.
At 37, Chimera is likely looking to join a contender in hopes of finally winning a Stanley Cup. That said, if he is willing, a return home to finish his career could be beneficial to both sides.
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