Oilers free agent signing looking like a bust after struggles in preseason

Defenceman Josh Brown doesn't have a long track record of success in the NHL, and his first two preseason game didn't inspire much confidence in fans. Brown was struggling to move the puck without turnovers and made a number of mistakes with defensive zone coverage. Plenty of Oilers fans took to social media to share their concern about Brown's play.

So far Josh Brown is looking like an AHL caliber defenceman, and yet, he's the only depth option that the Oilers have multiple years of term. The Oilers signed Brown to a three year contract for $1M a season. The 30 year old is a big body at 6'5 and a right shot which is an asset, but he's only played 290 career games - mostly with very poor teams.

In comparison, Troy Stecher and Travis Dermottare both younger than Josh Brown and have significant more National Hockey League games played with better teams. Stecher has played 494 career games with 6 different teams and is only being paid $875K. Travis Dermott is only 27 years old, has played 329 games, and actually has the most playoff experience out of the three defenceman. On a tryout contract, he would also likely come in at league minimum salary. The Oilers probably should've got Josh Brown on a tryout contract.

With all this considered, it seems baffling why the Oilers would award Josh Brown the most salary and term. By all accounts, Brown is pencilled in for the opening night lineup as well. The Oilers must want his big frame on the blue line above any other asset for their sixth defenceman this year. However, if his struggles compound in the regular season, the Oilers will have prime depth options in Stecher and Dermott to step in.

There's still potential for Josh Brown to improve his game during preseason and under the coaching of Paul Coffey. If Brown can succeed playing a similar role to Vincent Desharnais, there's clearly a space on the team for him. Hopefully Brown is able to find his game in the next few weeks and make this signing look better than it does right now.