Oilers may trade young defenceman this offseason after contract talks stall
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers have a logjam of talent on their blueline this season that's cause Ty Emberson to sit out most of the playoffs, so he could be the odd man out this offseason.
The Oilers acquired Emberson last offseason hopeful that he could take another step towards becoming a solid Top 6 defenceman, but instead, he began to find himself a healthy scratch in the later part of the season.
Oilers defenceman Ty Emberson could be dealt this offseason
Simply put, the Oilers have quality defenceman ahead of Emberson under contract for next season. Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers noted that he's last on their NHL depth chart, even assuming Klingberg leaves.
Unfortunately for him, the Oilers' depth on their blue line is the strongest it's been in a long time. He might be able to play a seventh defender role next season if Klingberg chooses to test the open market and signs elsewhere, but even then, the Oilers won't have a spot for him, especially if Stecher continues to stabilize their depth.
The Oilers will get Evan Bouchard signed, and also have Ekholm, Walman, Nurse, Kulak, and Stecher under contract for next year.
On the other side, Ty Emberson fired his agent this season, and contracts seem to have stalled after a deal was reportedly close in January of this year. When Emberson did play in the playoffs, he was harshly benched.
With veteran defenceman under contract that the Oilers will be confident in for the playoffs, the Oilers may best see Emberson as a trade asset this offseason. Even if they can get any pick or prospect back to restock the cupboards would make sense.
Hopefully the Oilers can find the best solution possible for the player Emberson, and for the organization moving forward.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 15 | 787 ANSWERS Oilers may trade young defenceman this offseason after contract talks stall Do you think Emberson will be traded this offseason? | ||
| Yes | 617 | 78.4 % |
| No | 170 | 21.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
