Money to Burn

        Every hockey fan LOVES when Free Agency Frenzy rolls around. Some avid fans even take the day off of work to sit in front of TSN, Sportsnet, or kick back ad listen to their favourite podcast. It just so happens that Oilers fans had a fairly disappointing “Frenzy” as the Oilers sat out as they watched all the big fish sign elsewhere. In all fairness, the Edmonton Oilers have been a top team in the mighty Pacific division for the past 3 years having most recently lost in round 2 to the eventual cup finalist Vegas Golden Knights.

Oilers GM still felt the heat over the summer, as many fans lit up the local Edmonton Sports Talk radio with their displeasure. “Why spend money on Free Agents when you can waste it on buy-outs?!?” was a common theme amongst the sullen. This is in reference to the recent buy out of veteran Kevin Shattenkirk to help get the team cap compliant. Cap compliancy is still an issue as the Oilers currently sit around $3,000,000 above the cap as pre-season has rolled around. It looks like the Oilers may have to burn some more cash before the season officially opens, or GM Chorostkowski has to keep working the phones to get a deal done that ships some salary out the door. This is especially true if the Oilers want to add at the trade deadline in what may be a final push to “Cup or Bust” territory.



        The Oilers off season wasn’t all doom and gloom, as the Oilers had a fairly successful entry draft grabbing Barrie Colts assistant captain Cole Beaudoin with the 25th overall selection in the 1st round. “ We feel Cole will be a great fit on our team. Beaudoin eats up the boards, grinds them, spins off opponents, drags the puck out of traffic, and gets it to the middle of the ice. There’s not a battle that he can’t win, even when at a numbers disadvantage. And he drives the net, creating chaos there, tipping shots, and getting open for tap-ins. His impact is felt in all three zones. “ The Oilers also added centres Linus Eriksson and Hagen Burrows as well as winger Victor Norringer and D-man Matt Lahey.


                                        
                    Cole Beaudoin                                            Victor Norringer                                            Hagen Burrows                                                Linus Eriksson                                                    Matt Lahey




        As the Oilers embark on the upcoming PFHL season, preparations are already well under way, and expectations are high. “We have some unfinished business to take care of” Captain Bo Horvat, who is slated to become a big free agent at season’s end stated during a sit down with the Edmonton Journal. The Oilers took care of a key piece of their 1-2 punch this off season signing Patrik Laine to 4 year $34,400,000 deal. Money well spent? Season 4 of the PFHL will determine this, and many other questions that linger around the Oilers having what it takes to get to that next step. Fan patience, and time is running out.


Peter Parker

Edmonton Journal