Edmonton Oilers: What Brad Malone Brings to the Table

The Edmonton Oilers signed centre Brad Malone to a two-year contract Monday, but to many, this signing went under the radar.

Though a five-year veteran at the NHL level, Malone has not been an avid point-scorer and has been on the verge of the AHL in recent years. In fact, his best campaign came in 2014-15, when he played a career-high 65 games with the Carolina Hurricanes and finished with seven goals and 15 points.

Edmonton Oilers

Last season, under contract with the Washington Capitals, Malone didn’t crack the NHL roster, but suited up for 52 AHL games with the Hershey Bears, posting seven goals and 20 points. He was then dealt to St. Louis in the Kevin Shattenkirk trade, where he finished with eight goals in 19 gamese with their affiliate Chiacago Wolves.

All in all, Malone has played 176 NHL games, recording 13 goals, 30 points, 188 PIM and a minus-29 rating. With these lacklustre numbers, many are curious as to what Malone brings to the Oilers heading into next season.

First off, he is an experienced centre who can also play the wing. This versatility could serve well on the Oilers fourth line, especially in the face of injuries. With NHL expereince under his belt, Malone can add more depth and support, while he also has the ability to fit into the bottom-six.

Not to mention, Malone has the proven ability to win faceoffs. In two straight seasons with Carolina, the 28-year-old had over 60 percent success in the dot, and posted a career-high 64.5 faceoff percentage in 2015-16. The Oilers need a proven faceoff-man in their system along with Mark Letestu, and this is where Malone comes into the picture.

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Though more of a minor-league player, Malone can be a call-up player or extra roster player at the NHL level, and alwasy gives a solid effort when he draws into the NHL picture. With Edmonton, he could elevate hsi game to a new level while bringing something new to the organization.