Fansided

Edmonton Oilers: What to Do About Matt Hendricks

By Sammi Silber |
Dec 23, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Matt Hendricks (23) is escorted to the penalty box by linesman Ryan Galloway (82) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Matt Hendricks (23) is escorted to the penalty box by linesman Ryan Galloway (82) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers have quite the veteran presence on their roster, and one of those players includes Matt Hendricks.

Through 42 games this season, Hendricks posted four goals and seven points and was a minus-3. He was a positive voice off the ice, and a character guy. Not to mention, he stood up for his teammates and made himself a physical presence. Hendricks racked up 79 hits this past year.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Earlier in the season, Hendricks fell victim to a lower-body injury that kept him out for a while. With the 35-year-old set to hit free agency on July 1, the team will have to decide on whether or not they will keep the veteran in Edmonton. However, given his performance, age and struggles with injuries, it seems that Edmonton may just let him walk.

Hold On or Let Go?

However, one reason the team may want to keep him is that he is a physical presence and a positive impact on the team. He helps the locker room stay motivated and from what it is heard of him, he is a character guy and brings a winning, good culture to the team. Plus, considering he is cheap, has years of experience and brings something positive to the table, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to keep him on the roster.

On the other hand, Hendricks has not played in too many games for the team, nor did he participate in the playoffs. He is more of an extra forward at this point, and with players like Jujhar Khaira and even Anton Slepyshev vying for a left wing spot with the team, Hendricks gets pushed further down the depth chart.

When Hendricks does play, he struggles greatly with puck possession and doesn’t create too many offensive opportunities. He is also prone to injury and is getting slower as he gets older. With that being said, the Oilers may want to let him hit free agency.

Still, he’s a solid presence to have, costs less than $1 million and can bring some skill to the lineup. He’s a versatile forward who can hit and fight. Not to mention, Edmonton needs a solid centre on the bottom six. Hendricks won 56.9 percent of his faceoffs and took 232 of them this season. That may just be the reason to hold on

Next: Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Offers on Table for Eberle

Overall, the Oilers have options when it comes to Hendricks. But, his future in Edmonton seems up in the air.

Home / Editorials