The Edmonton Oilers may not be ready to be active at the trade deadline, but there is a notable name on waivers that could be of help: Eric Fehr.
The 31-year-old forward would be an excellent addition to the Oilers, and is just what this team needs heading into the end of the regular season.
Edmonton Oilers
is a versatile player who can play either the centre or right wing. He has 11 years of experience in the National Hockey League and has always balanced out the bottom-six. Fear won a Stanley Cup Championship with Pittsburgh in 2016, a team he joined after being a long-term member of the Washington Capitals.
In 56 games with the Penguins this season, Fehr has six goals and 11 points, and is a plus-3. He also has 78 hits and 33 shot blocks, and has taken the puck away 24 times. Fehr has just 10 giveaways this season, and doesn’t turn the puck over often.
Not to mention, Fehr has won 49.7 percent of his face-offs this season, and is overall pretty decent in the dot. The Oilers appear to be having trouble finding a centre that can win draws, and Fehr would be a perfect addition.
There are areas, however, that he needs to improve in. For instance, Fehr needs to have more control over the puck and step up more in the offensive zone. He also doesn’t possess the same speed he has had over the years, and injuries are a bit of a concern. He could improve his skating, and additionally make the most of his frame and physicality. Lastly, his puck-possession metrics could be better.
In the end, the Oilers would be wise to look at picking him up. He is a known leader and would add leadership and experience, as well as stability to the bottom-six. With just a $2 million cap hit and a year left on his deal, Fehr would be a good contributor for Edmonton.