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In No Particular Order: Ryan, Wennberg, DeBrusk |
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I've got a couple of buyouts to discuss with you all, as well as an intriguing trade rumour. Grab your second Monday coffee and let's get to it.
BOBBY RYAN
The Ottawa Senators have bought out 33 year old right winger, Bobby Ryan. Bobby Ryan would have made 7.5 million in actual salary both this season as well as the following year and he quite simply is not worth those dollars at this stage of his career.
Ryan publicly made aware his struggles and battle with alcoholism, entering the NHL/NHL Players' Assistance program on November 20th. He would return to the NHL on February 25th and more notably, scored a hat trick two days later against the Vancouver Canucks. It was an emotional and unforgettable moment.
Of course I am bringing Bobby Ryan up here to ask the question if the Edmonton Oilers should look at signing him. For the right price I would certainly have time for him, and seeing what the Dallas Stars have done in these playoffs only fuels that thought.
Joe Pavelski came to the Stars in free agency at the ripe age of 35. Through the regular season, it was clear that Pavelski's production had taken a dip but he was also spending more time on the third line and out of the top six. Despite a decrease in points he was still a valuable player every night for the Stars. These playoffs Pavelski once again was playing like the All-Star he once was.
I'm not saying that Bobby Ryan can necessarily match what Pavelski is doing, but there is merit in bringing in a veteran who was once an elite player but still has that drive.
Ryan only played 256 minutes at even strength this year but he led all players on the Senators (who played at least 200 minutes) with a CF% of 53.33%. He also led the team with a GF% of 64.71%. A very small sample size but still very impressive.
If Bobby Ryan is interested in taking a one year deal, in and around the 2 million dollar range I firmly believe that could pay massive dividends for the Edmonton Oilers. Ryan could find a spot next to McDavid and be his trigger-man or he could be a brilliant option on the third line to help push the team the right way in 5 on 5 scoring.
One last thought here, if Holland is interested in offering him a contract, I wonder if he would ask Zack Kassian to give Ryan a call. Kassian himself struggled with substance abuse before ressurecting his career with the Edmonton Oilers. Zack could speak with Bobby and tell him how the organization helped him through that difficult time. Just a thought.
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ALEXANDER WENNBERG
Another player who may be bought out soon is Alexander Wennberg of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Wennberg would have entered the fourth year of his six year deal with an AV of 4.9 million this season. The 26 year old's numbers have steadily dipped over the past few years as have the talent of his linemates.
When I first heard Wennberg's name pop up I was thinking I was going to write a blog about how he could be the perfect third line centre for the Edmonton Oilers. Now I think he is a player to stay away from.
At 26 years old he may still command a decent amount of money as there will be a few suitors for his services. Even in his best offensive year in 16/17 where he scored 59 points he only produced 13 goals. In the past three seasons combined he has scored 15 goals.
Edmonton already has a shortage in cap-space and Wennberg is too risky of an option for the team to pursue right now. Best to stay away from that one.
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JAKE DEBRUSK
Jake DeBrusk's name has started popping up in trade rumours. The 23 year old is a RFA who through his first three NHL seasons has produced 120 points through 203 NHL games. He shoots the puck exceptionally well and is deadly on the PP. He finished third on the Bruins in powerplay goals with 7.
DeBrusk makes a ridiculous amount of sense for the Edmonton Oilers. He is a talented player, has a shoot first mentality and is only 23 years old. He could be a fit on McDavid's wing for the next decade. Plus we could see more interviews between him and his dad and who wouldn't want more of that?
Why would Boston move him? To me it looks like they wouldn't unless an offer absolutely blows them away. Boston has over 14 million in cap space right now and I can't find any sources that suggest that the Bruins are specifically trying to reduce salary.
Torey Krug is almost certainly leaving Boston in free agency this season which leaves a big hole open on that second pairing. Here is my hypothetical trade for you all to ponder today.
Would you trade Oscar Klefbom and Alex Chiasson in exchange for Jake Debrusk and Anders Bjork?
Klefbom is a solid player and I do believe he remains the Oilers best all-round defenceman and he is on a very team friendly deal for the next three seasons at 4.167 million per. If Edmonton trades Klefbom they immediately need to find a veteran replacement for him.
This would leave some big questions on the blue line but with the exception of a third line centre, the forward group would be as strong as it has been in decades.
DeBrusk-McDavid-Puljujarvi
RNH-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Bjork-Koivu-Kassian
Khaira-Haas-Archibald
Dare to dream.
Thanks for reading!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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