On Monday night, the Chicago Blackhawks were sent packing from the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the St. Louis Blues dispatched them in game seven. Immediately following the game, Oilers Insider Bob Stauffer sent out an interesting tweet.
Don’t be surprised if N.A. U-24 Managers Peter Chiarelli and Stan Bowman make a deal at some point this off-season
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) April 26, 2016
Now, this is a pretty vague tweet from Stauffer, but he’s well connected and we should certainly take his word as good. It also makes some sense that these two would come together on a deal, as Chicago has some pieces that Edmonton will want and they are going to have some cap issues this coming summer.
Andrew Shaw:
After making $2,000,000 this past season, Andrew Shaw will be looking for a pay raise as he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1st. Shaw has been quite consistent the last three years, scoring 20 goals in 2013-14, 15 in 2014-15 and 14 this past season. In the playoffs, Shaw scored four goals and added two assists for six points in six games.
From a points perspective, he’s registered 39 (13-14), 26 (14-15), and 34 (15-16) in the last three years. Overall, that’s decent production for a third-line forward, which is exactly where Shaw would play in Edmonton. The 24 year-old center could come in and push Mark Letestu down to the fourth line and slide in behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl/Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Shaw has a few things working in his favor that make him appealing to the Oilers outside of his scoring. First off, he’s a right-shot center which makes him a perfect fit. Secondly, Shaw plays a very gritty style and is more of an agitator with skill than anything else. The Oilers really lack players like that in their lineup currently.
As a two-way center that could help out in a number of areas, Shaw seems like a really nice fit in Edmonton. I know his suspension in these playoffs is a reg flag for many, but as a player he can help the Oilers.
Price wise, I could see Edmonton giving up a pick and prospect for him. Would David Musil and a 3rd do it? Remember, Chicago is going to be in some trouble cap wise here, so the price could be less than expected.
Brent Seabrook:
The fact that Seabrook is a RHD, a veteran, a leader and an all-around defender makes him a VERY appealing target for the Edmonton Oilers. A year ago, I was all aboard the Seabrook train, but others smarter than me cautioned against adding the veteran. After seeing him play this past season, I can see why. Seabrook took a step back and is clearly slowing down.
At 31, the defender has a lot of mileage on him and isn’t as effective as he once was. Lowetide did an excellent job on Monday morning of dissecting the situation and I suggest you read what he had to say.
I don’t think Seabrook is a top-pairing defender at this stage and, quite frankly, I’m not sure how long he has left as a top-four guy. Three-to-four years tops is my guess, meaning he would still help the Oilers in the here-and-now. That said, his contract will cost the team $6,875,000 per year for another eight years. That’s too much coin for a veteran who is already slowing down.
I can see why Edmonton would be interested in Seabrook, but at his age and at that contract, I would steer clear of him at this point. There are other options on the table that would not cripple the organization. Beware of big names.
Final Thoughts:
If Edmonton is looking at Andrew Shaw, and I think they are, then this could be another solid get for Peter Chiarelli. He would again strengthen the center position and would add more grit to a lineup sorely lacking it at this point in time. At 24, he’s also young enough to grow with Edmonton’s young core. Oh, and he’s also won before.
As for Seabrook, I’d stay away from an aging veteran whose best days are likely behind him at this point.
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