The Edmonton Oilers didn’t make a blockbuster move, but some may argue that in regards to the AHL, they made quite the trade.
Edmonton acquired forward Justin Fontaine in exchange for Taylor Beck, who served as the Condors leading point scorer. While it is tough to see Bakersfield lose one of their top producers, Fontaine has thrived with the team so far.
Edmonton Oilers
In 50 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season, Fontaine has picked up nine goals and 30 points. He has been with Bakersfield for two games, and already has a goal and four points, and is a plus-2.
The 5-foot-10, 174-pound winger is a right-hand shot who can play an offensively-driven game. He is a good skater and knows his role, while he is also able to make smart plays. However, he lacks in size, but makes up for it with his scoring.
Not to mention, Fontaine owns a decent shot, and can be an asset on special teams. For a Bakersfield team that needs more offense as it pushes for the playoffs, this was a smart move for the organization.
Thinking in terms of the long term, this is beneficial for the Oilers as well. While Beck is a solid forward, he has been around the league for a while, and is unable to prove himself worthy of a full-time roster spot. Fontaine, 29, still has a lot left in him as a skater, and can be an asset in the NHL on the bottom six. He has put up decent bottom-six numbers in his time in the big league.
Fontaine is a UFA at the end of this season, but the Oilers could re-sign him and possibly use some extra help. He would be a decent player to sign to a two-way deal, as he has the chance of filling out the depth the Oilers need on the right side.