Edmonton Oilers: Veteran Right Wing Options

Entering the 2017-18 campaign, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves with a lack of depth on the right wing.

Though general manager Peter Chiarelli wants to rely on the youth to step up and signed some AHL free agents, the Oilers may need to add some more pieces come training camp. Thankfully, there are a number of veterans still available on the market that could add a lot to the Oilers’ lineup. Here are some options to consider.

Jaromir Jagr

Obviously, the biggest RW name on the market is Jarmoir Jagr. The 45-year-old is the oldest active player in the National Hockey League, but also among the most talented. He still has a lot left in him, and with his stamina, endurance and passion for hockey, he would be an outstanding asset for Edmonton.

Through 82 games this past season, Jagr put up 16 goals and 46 points. He was one of Florida’s leading scorers and finished yet another year with at least 30 assists.

Edmonton Oilers

Through his career, Jagr has put up 19 20+ goal campaigns, and 15 of those were 30+ goal years. Not only is a proven pure goal scorer, but can make plays and has great hockey sense. In addition, he is a veteran and a leader and can serve as a mentor for the Oilers relatively young team.

Also, Jagr has won two Stanley Cup championships and has 18 seasons of playoff experience. With his ability and expertise, Jagr would bring plenty to the Oilers lineup.

Jarome Iginla

Like Jagr, Jarome Iginla is in his 40s, but still has a lot of NHL ability left in him. After years with the Calgary Flames, he has bounced around the league recently. He was traded to Pittsburgh a few seasons ago and played for Boston and Colorado before heading to the Los Angeles Kings in a trade this past season. Now, he is an unrestricted free agent looking for a new home.

The Edmonton, Alberta native finished this past season with just 14 goals and 27 points and clearly struggled through 80 games between the Avalanche and Kings this past season. However, through the years, he has been a consistent scorer and a star player, as well as a great asset to have on the top-six.

With the Oilers being his hometown team, and considering he has played a majority of his career in the Pacific Division, Iginla would be a great fit in Edmonton. Like Jagr, he has a number of 20+ goal seasons, 17 to be exact. Not only can he score, but the 6-foot-1, 210-pound winger is a physical force that can backcheck effectively.

Iginla would add considerable depth to the Oilers lineup, and could be a great asset to have on the third line. Plus, playing alongside someone like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or even Ryan Strome could help him ignite his touch and get back on track and reach his former scoring level.

Drew Stafford

A younger option on the free agent market, the 31-year-old has been inconsistent over the last few years, but still shows great potential. He could improve upon a change in scenery and still shows upside.

Through 58 games split between the Winnipeg Jets and Boston Bruins this year, Stafford put up just eight goals and 21 points and was a plus-6. He also racked up 62 hits and 24 PIM.

Stafford has proven his worth as a goal-scorer and a physical, versatile forward. Over the years, he has also put up solid scoring totals, and still possesses a great shot. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound forward would also add physicality and size to the Oilers lineup, and help out on the checking line.

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While he doesn’t have too many proven seasons under his belt, Stafford has been a stand out player who can play in any role and work well at both ends of the rink.