The Edmonton Oilers are closing in on a bit of a surprising transaction. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the club is close to a one-year, two-way contract with Eric Gryba.
Eric Gryba on the verge of getting a one-year, two-way deal with EDM.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 11, 2016
Gryba was in camp on a PTO and, at least to my eyes, hadn’t exactly impressed thus far. He had taken a few poor penalties and wasn’t a factor defensively. It was, again to me, a disappointing showing from a veteran who actually was pretty solid last year.
What we know about Gryba is that he’s a strong defender. In his own zone, Gryba was one of the two or three best Oilers at playing defense a year ago, he can defend. He’s physical, can play on the penalty kill, and is more than willing to clear the front of the net. As a number six or seven defender, in a shut-down role, I’m more than fine with Eric Gryba being on the roster.
That said, he’s a very limited player with almost not offensive upside and who struggles mightily to move the puck. He’s not what we would call an all-around defender.
Thing is, at this time, Kris Russell is in the lineup and Mark Fayne is slated to be the seventh defender on this roster. I’m not sure Gryba fits on the NHL depth chart of the Oilers right now.
It doesn’t appear that is going to be a problem, however.
Gryba’s deal in EDM is $950K in NHL, or $250K in AHL, but he has guarantee of $450K. Will go on waivers and if he clears, start in AHL.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 11, 2016
So Gryba will not be on Edmonton’s roster come tomorrow night when the season starts against the Calgary Flames. He’ll start in Bakersfield and in all likelihood will be Edmonton’s top injury call-up during the early portions of the season. As a depth option, this signing is okay by my eyes. After all, this club lacks right-handed shots in the system.
Gryba will see some time in Edmonton this coming season, but starting him in the AHL as the eighth or ninth defender in the organization isn’t a terrible idea, if he clears waivers of course. It’s solid depth, but I’m a little surprised they decided to award him a contract.
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