5 Free Agents the Edmonton Oilers Should Target In 2015 Offseason

By PowerPlayCJ

5 Free Agents the Edmonton Oilers Should Target This Summer

Edmonton Oilers — After “winning” the draft lottery for the fourth time in six years, the Edmonton Oilers enter the offseason as one of the most intriguing teams in the NHL, as they’ll assuredly use the No. 1 overall pick to draft superphenom Connor McDavid. While McDavid will surely be a one of a kind player, the Oilers will need to add more around him to get out of the league’s basement. Here are five players they should target in free agency.

5. Carl Soderberg

Boston Bruins Opening Night

5. Carl Soderberg

Boston Bruins Opening Night — Size down the middle is a common thread of all great teams, particularly in the Western Conference. Adding Soderberg would allow Leon Draisaitl time to develop in the AHL while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or McDavid move to the wing where they would be free of having to go up against such big centers as Anze Kopitar and Ryan Getzlaf on a nightly basis.

4. Paul Martin

Paul Martin

4. Paul Martin

Paul Martin — The wily old veteran has in some regards fallen out of favor in Pittsburgh and wouldn’t be hurt by a change of scenery this summer. His steady presence would be a great addition to the team’s blue line and allow the team’s younger defensemen to get more minor league seasoning which could pay dividends down the line.

3. Mike Green

Mike Green pic

3. Mike Green

Mike Green — The Alberta native was one of the most high flying and exciting defensemen in recent memory for a minute before injuries caught up with him and derailed his productivity. With the team’s exciting nucleus of young forwards, I’d love to see what a rejuvenated Green could bring to the Oilers.

2. Andrej Sekera

Sekera

2. Andrej Sekera

Sekera — After being acquired by the Kings at the deadline, Sekera’s play declined and probably cost him some money on the open market. The Oilers would be wise to snatch him up at a discounted rate, as his play in 2013-14 with Carolina showed he can be the type of adept, two-way defenseman the team needs.

1. Cody Franson

Cody Franson Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15

1. Cody Franson

Cody Franson Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 — Much like Sekera, Franson’s play deteriorated down the stretch after being moved at the deadline. It would behoove the Oilers to add the big defenseman, as his size and offensive acumen could really help the team return to relevance.

Teams in this article »

Edmonton Oilers

Share On Facebook

Share