When we talk defenders, Travis Hamonic is the most notable and discussed name for Oiler fans. Hamonic isn’t the only guy available this summer, however. Underrated rearguard Jason Demers of the Dallas Stars is a pending free agent and is likely to hit the market this July. He doesn’t get the play that most of Dallas’ big stars do, but he’s a solid player and should be considered as a solution.
Why Is He Out There?:
Demers will be a free agent this coming summer and is likely to get looks in the open market. He’s going to command quite a raise over his current $2,210,000 AAV. Dallas will need to re-sign other players like Alex Goligoski, Kris Russell, Patrick Eaves, and Vern Fiddler. You also have to factor in that Jamie Benn is due for a payday next summer and that Dallas is giving Cody Eakin a raise this summer.
He’s a solid player, but seems to be playing second fiddle in Dallas and might be crunched out of a Stars uniform due to nothing but money.
What Does He Do Well?:
At 6’1” and 200 pounds, we are looking at an average sized hockey player here. As a result, it’s worth mentioning that Jason Demers does not play a physical style, and according to his scouting report on The Hockey News, he doesn’t use his body frame enough to make defensive plays. This is a player with some warts.
Puck movement wise, Demers would be absolutely what the doctor ordered for the Oilers. Jason Demers moves the puck exceptionally well, and quickly too. He joins the rush with the forwards, making him a true offensive threat when he’s out on the ice. Imagine a quick puck mover who can join the rush with Edmonton’s forward group?
In addition to that, he’s a mobile player who possesses a strong shot and can be a weapon on the powerplay. That, to me, really fits well with what Edmonton is looking for this summer on the blue-line.
THN finishes their scouting report with the quote, “Solid puck-moving defenseman.”
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
If Demers is Edmonton’s big off-season addition, then he would play on the first pairing, right side, with Oscar Klefbom. He could slide down to the second pairing if Edmonton acquired two RHD this summer, which I think should be the course of action. Either way, he’s playing in the top-four in Edmonton.
Where should he play is a good question. Demers isn’t overly talked about, but when you watch him play he appeals to the eye. The advanced stats (Hey again, Woodguy) and the boxcars (7-16-23 in 62) seem to agree. He’s a top-four defender in the NHL, but I’d label him more as a second pairing guy.
What Will He Cost?:
As a free agent, Demers will simply cost the Oilers money on the cap this summer should they pursue him. To get this player under contract, I think Edmonton would have to go at least four years in term. Demers is 27 years old and will certainly be looking for a little security going into his prime years.
Money wise, I’d suggest $4,500,000 per year as a solid starting point. Demers is an established top-four defender in the NHL and will command a payday, mainly because there are so few options out there this off-season. Is that too much, four by $4.5, for Oiler fans?
Closing Argument:
If Peter Chiarelli decides that free agency is the way to go this summer for defensive help, then Demers is as good of an option as anyone. He’s exactly what the Oilers need, a mobile puck mover, and he’s young enough (27) to fit in moving forward. He’s not the sexy or ideal player, but he’s a good option that Edmonton should certainly be considering this July.
If the money is right, this could be another terrific get for Peter Chiarelli as Oilers GM.
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