Justin Schultz Will Suit Up For The OKC Barons In The Event Of A Lockout

Justin Schultz confirms he’ll play for the @okc_barons in the event of a @nhl lockout; says he’s heard good things about the city

— Edmonton Oilers (@NHL_Oilers) September 10, 2012

Finally, someone in the NHL admits the word “lockout” exists.  And only five days until the current CBA is set to expire, too!

It goes without saying that you, I, the guy at the service station and pretty much everybody else is hoping that the league and the players’ association gets things worked out before then.  If they don’t, at least Schultz will be getting a test drive down in OKC before he hits the big time.

A SILVER LINING TO A LOCKOUT?

The opportunity for Justin Schultz to play in the AHL is an unforeseen benefit to an otherwise terrible situation of a lockout.

Other than not offering Cam Barker an extension, Justin Schultz is the only improvement the Oilers made to the defence corps this offseason.  How much of an improvement will a 22 year old who’s yet to play in the NHL be?  There’s the rub.  Schultz made it apparent that he wanted to be an Edmonton Oiler this past June, and he’ll likely get significant minutes on the blue.  But he’s a rookie (albeit a 22 year old rookie) straight out of college.  It certainly can’t hurt to get him some experience in OKC if the Oilers aren’t playing hockey.  Let him get a little bit comfortable before taking the big step up to the NHL, where things will get really heavy, really fast.

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