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3 PTO signings Edmonton Oilers may consider before preseason starts feat. Kevin Shattenkirk

Modified Sep 06, 2024 02:21 GMT

With training camp just around the corner, the Edmonton Oilers will be looking to round out its roster after an eventful offseason.

Moreover, Leon Draisaitl’s massive extension forces the Oilers to get creative in finding useful players to fill out key role positions. With that in mind, the Edmonton Oilers could dip into the pool of remaining free agents, bringing in useful veterans on PTOs.

Here’s a look at three PTO options the Edmonton Oilers could consider before the start of training camp.

3 PTO signings Edmonton Oilers may consider before preseason starts

#3. James van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk is a bottom-six forward at this point in his career, but he can still put up points.

Last season, he registered 38 points through 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games with the Boston Bruins. "JVR" could provide crucial depth scoring, especially with the Oilers looking to fill the void left by Dylan Holloway’s departure.

PuckePedia reported that Riemsdyk made $1 million last season, meaning he could sign a league-minimum deal just to get another shot at the NHL. He could subsequently be a cost-effective addition to the Oilers' bottom six.

#2. Justin Schultz

Justin Schultz played 70 games with the Seattle Kraken last season, putting up a respectable 26 points through seven goals and 19 assists.

The veteran blue liner made $3 million last season, according to PuckPedia. While Schultz isn't expected to get that much this season, the Oilers could try and bring him in on a PTO. Edmonton will look to improve its defensive depth following Philp Broberg’s departure and trading Cody Ceci.

Moreover, the Oilers lost Vincent Desharnais to free agency, meaning the club could use more veteran depth options to support the current blue line core. Ultimately, Schultz could be a fantastic addition to the Oilers’ bottom-pairing.

#1. Kevin Shattenkirk

Speaking of veteran blue line options, Kevin Shattenkirk remains available on the free agent market. He spent last season with the Bruins on a $1.05 million deal.

While Shattenkirk is no longer the top-pairing defenseman he once was, he is still a serviceable third-pairing, depth blue liner. Last season, Shattenkirk chipped in with 24 points through six goals and 18 assists. That sort of production could help the Oilers fill the gaps on the blue line.

Additionally, Shattenkirk brings a wealth of playoff experience after stints with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, winning a Cup in 2020. That experience would surely come in handy come playoff time, as the Oilers are the odds-on favorites to take the Cup home this year.