Analyst urged Oilers to target rival Jets defenceman on waivers
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Analyst Allan Mitchell has recently stated that should Winnipeg's Logan Stanley be placed on waivers, the Edmonton Oilers would de well to claim the big defenseman.
In a recent article had this to say about the defenseman:
I'm laser focussed on Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets. He's a gigantic defenseman with just below average footspeed. Last season in Winnipeg, he played a depth role and, as always, his fancy stats were not strong.
He isn't on waivers yet, but if he is, I'd like the Oilers to grab him. I know you're going to say there's no room but I like him and think he might help on the PK while being a big 6-7 defenseman. If you remember the playoffs, I think the idea of Logan Stanley on Edmonton's defense has appeal.
- Allan Mitchell
He isn't on waivers yet, but if he is, I'd like the Oilers to grab him. I know you're going to say there's no room but I like him and think he might help on the PK while being a big 6-7 defenseman. If you remember the playoffs, I think the idea of Logan Stanley on Edmonton's defense has appeal.
- Allan Mitchell
Winnipeg D-man affordable option on Oilers' bottom-4 and penalty kill
Logan Stanley is in year two of a 2-year contract with an AAV of $1.25M. He is not waiver-exempt, and makes the possibility of the Oilers claiming him even greater.
Though Edmonton is well-established on the top-4 defense roster, the bottom-4 could use some shoring-up; having a big and physical defenseman (6'7", 231 lbs) who is known for his ability to shut down opposing players is of great benefit.
Adding a blueliner with this type of presence, particularly in the playoffs, where the game becomes more physical, is an advantage going deeper into the playoffs, when space and time can be reduced even further by a long stick and big body.
Also, the Oilers have historically struggled with controlling the neutral zone and preventing easy entries into their defensive zone, beyond McDavid and Draisaitl, as per HockeyViz.
Again, Stanley's size and long reach could help the Oilers play a more aggressive forecheck in the neutral zone, forcing turnovers and reducing odd-man rushes against.
Stanley's physical style of play and defensive focus could make him a valuable asset on the penalty kill, an area the Oilers constantly look to improve upon.
While the Oilers have improved their defense with players like Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, and Darnell Nurse, questions remain about the reliability of the third pairing and depth, particularly after some offseason changes.
Stanley could potentially provide some stability and depth on the blue line, playing on the third pairing, or as the seventh defenseman, depending on the Oilers' game plan.
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