Oilers Could Find Upgrade In Discarded Avalanche Defenseman
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As per Emily Kaplan of ESPN, “Hearing Colorado likely won’t re-sign Erik Johnson. The veteran defenseman will hit the open market when free agency begins July 1.” While the Edmonton Oilers don’t precisely have thousands and thousands to spend, might Johnson be a participant that GM Ken Holland sees as an improve over his present blue-line mixture?
For the upcoming season, the Colorado Avalanche have a strong defensive lineup with key defensemen Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, Josh Manson, Kurtis MacDermid, and Brad Hunt already beneath contract. Additionally, restricted free agent Bowen Byram is a part of their plans. Unrestricted free agent Jack Johnson might return, and if he does, it is smart the Avs have little room for Erik Johnson.
How Does Johnson Represent an Upgrade?
If the Oilers are a No. 6 on the appropriate facet, Johnson is an enchancment over the present choices. He averaged 17:15 per sport final season as a right-shot and whereas he didn’t rating and produced solely eight assists, he’s steadier than the uncertainty that’s Vincent Desharnais or one other prospect arising and getting a shot on a roster that should win now. Johnson is aware of easy methods to win, he’s acquired measurement, he’s a frontrunner, and he’s grow to be a sensible stay-at-home defender that would make for a very good accomplice in shifts with Darnell Nurse the place head coach Jay Woodcroft elects to rotate 11-7.
The query turns into price and the way a lot he’s prepared to drop his charge from $6 million per season right down to an reasonably priced quantity {that a} contending crew who’s tight to the cap just like the Oilers are can afford. The actuality is, Edmonton can’t afford to pay rather more than $1-$1.5 million for this position. If they imagine Johnson is in some way able to submitting Cody Ceci’s spot, and shifting on from Ceci to fill holes in one other space, the Oilers may have the ability to give Johnson $2 million, and if he’s open to it, shifting issues round may make sense.
It’s truthful to argue that having him change Ceci won’t be one of the best concept. That mentioned, as a depth man enjoying quarter-hour an evening on the third pairing, if he’s reasonably priced, that’s a fairly good possibility.
The Oilers Will Likely Be Outbid
The downside for Holland is that there will probably be loads of motion surrounding the 35-year-old Johnson. Even if he’s restricted in what he can present a crew, there are golf equipment just like the Buffalo Sabres who’re actively in search of out defensemen and have much more cap area than Edmonton does.
Related: NHL Rumors: Flames, Capitals, Avalanche, Canadiens
Unless the Oilers can persuade Johnson that profitable is an important factor and that he’s higher off making much less cash with a legit probability at one other Stanley Cup, the Oilers can’t compete with the Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, or Ottawa Senators. All of these groups wish to be aggressive subsequent season and all have the flexibility to pay slightly greater than Johnson may be price.
Would It Be Worth Offering Two Years?
Things get dangerous if the Oilers attempt to win the day by providing slightly time period. Again, contemplating Johnson’s harm historical past and his age, there are query marks there. A two-year deal at $1.5 million per isn’t horrible, but when he’s unable to remain wholesome or out and in of the lineup, it’s not supreme. Multiple years won’t be out of the realm of risk because the Oilers simply signed 36-year-old Derek Ryan to a two-year contract. Clearly, they aren’t afraid of doing what’s wanted to maintain somebody’s cap hit down.
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Johnson may be an possibility price exploring. For Edmonton, one of the best wager is to make a telephone name and see the place the participant’s head is at. Is this about profitable or cash? From there, attempt to gauge what he can supply by way of minutes. If the Oilers are assured he can change Ceci for practically two million much less per season, shifting issues round may be an possibility. If not, there’s a greenback worth right here the Oilers can’t transcend to at a dependable No. 6.
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