The Edmonton Oilers will have a number of tough decisions to make regarding their roster in the coming months. GM Peter Chiarelli will no doubt want to improve his defensive group and add some size and grit to the forward corps. In order to add, he’s going to have to let some players go.
One of those guys is Teddy Purcell. He’s not overly physical and he’s coming off of a tough 2014-15 season. That said, Purcell has been extremely good this year for the Oilers and, in my mind, has earned a contract extension with the club.
The Boxcars:
Last season, in more of a complimentary role, Purcell went 12-22-34 in 82 games played. He proved to be a decent depth scoring option and was extremely durable for the club. This season, in 46 games, Purcell has posted 9-16-25. He’s going to post more points this year than last, and you can see why.
It’s also worth mentioning that in 2014-15 he was a -33. This year? Purcell is just a -5 so far on the season. He’s also on pace to once again play all 82 games for the Oil.
The Role:
Purcell played a complementary role last season, and while he didn’t light it up, he wasn’t bad. This season, Purcell has been put in a position to succeed, playing with Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl. As a result, Purcell is on pace to hit about 50 points, that’s a very good year.
Purcell has done this before, when he’s played with skill guys he produces. He did it with Steven Stamkos in Tampa and he’s doing it with Taylor Hall now. He’s a rare player that can keep up with and have success with elite players. That’s a very valuable piece. Todd McLellan has used him the right way.
If he’s re-signed, his role will be that of a top-six forward, at least it should be.
Show Me The Chart:
Second line ice time with really solid possession impact and decent individual production. This comes on a team that finished in the bottom three of the NHL in 2014-15 and a group that is better but still not there in 2015-16. To me, this proves that Teddy Purcell is a useful top-six forward in the NHL.
The eye test has also showed me this throughout the season so far, this just reinforces it.
Straight Cash Homie:
How are you gonna pay for Teddy Purcell? Straight cash, homie. Purcell made $4.5 million per year the last two seasons, but I doubt he gets that in his next contract. Looking at his age, recent production and underlying numbers, I’m confident in paying Purcell between $3-3.5 million per year for two seasons. I think that’s fair value and both sides would be happy with that kind of contract.
Final Thoughts:
The Oilers, more likely than not, will trade Teddy Purcell and his expiring contract at the trade deadline at the end of February. With Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov already on the roster, the numbers game becomes difficult. Add in Zack Kassian coming up from Bakersfield, and things get more complicated.
That said, Teddy Purcell has without doubt proven that he is a top-six forward still and has some serious chemistry with Hall and Draisaitl. He’s a smart veteran player who can produce. Quite frankly, I think Edmonton needs more of those guys, not less.
Here’s to hoping Peter Chiarelli is able to find a way to sign the veteran to a reasonable contract that sees the dollars start with the number 3.
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