Avoiding Zach Hyman: 5 Other Wingers the Oilers Should Pursue
With all the chatter surrounding the Oilers’ interest in pending UFA LW Zach Hyman, I feel it’s important for us Oilers fans to remind ourselves of the horrors of past UFA splurges- specifically, think back to 2016.
Long-term, big-money deals like those given to players like Lucic, Ladd, Backes, Eriksson, and Clarkson rarely age well and Hyman seems likely to add to that list given the reports that he’s likely to get in the range of 6mil for 6 or 7 years. Alarm bells need to be ringing.
Instead of Hyman, it’s my (and hopefully everyone else’s) belief that Holland would do well to consider a number of other wingers on the market in order to minimize cap hit, reduce term commitment, and limit the risk of failure.
Conor Garland (diminutive dominator)
The 5’10, 165lbs RW was arguably Arizona’s best forward last season posting 12 goals and 39 points in 49 games. He led Coyotes forwards in 5-on-5 pts (9g, 18a, 27p), shots (135), penalty differential (8 taken, 20 drawn), and takeaways (32). Further, he was a fantastic play driver ranking 3rd in team-relative scoring chance % (+5.4 relSC%) and 1st in team-relative goal share (+13.9 relGF%)- a trend that has been consistent since the start of his career.
These aren’t entirely the result of elite offense, either. Like Yamamoto, Garland is a quality defensive player (-0.2 relGA/60 & -1.5 relSCA/60) who disrupts plays and pursues the puck with near-limitless energy.
Normally, players like this aren’t made available. However, with Arizona’s financial difficulties, lack of a 1st round pick this year, and Garland’s contract demands (north of 5mil with term), word of his availability is circulating and the Oilers would be wise to pursue him.
Likely cost: The 2021 1st round pick & Kahun
Reilly Smith (fading two-way talent)
The 6’1, 182lbs RW had a bit of a down year offensively for the Golden Knights. He potted 14 goals and 25 points with 15 (8g, 7a) coming at 5-on-5 and was 3rd among Vegas forwards in shots (124), 4th in individual scoring chances (97), 2nd in rebounds created (12).
As part of the Knights’ 2nd line, he contributed to keeping things close but was only their 3rd most effective line posting a +1.15 relSC% and -3.7 relGF% while Smith was on the ice. He’s a reliable two-way forward who’s counted on to play a role on both special teams units and his scoring numbers seem likely to rebound.
Despite the Knights loving the player, their cap situation might necessitate they move on from Smith and his 5mil cap hit for 1 more year in order to pursue a proper 1st line C. In conjunction with his down year, this should keep the cost to acquire him reasonable.
Likely cost: Marody/Kahun & a 3rd
Alex Killorn (quintessential complement)
The 2-time Cup-winning 6’1, 199lbs LW potted 15 goals and 33 points in 56 games last season with 18 (8g, 10a) of those points coming at 5-on-5. He ranked 5th among Lightning forwards in scoring (both overall and 5-on-5), 3rd in shots (122), and 5th in individual scoring chances (77) while having a bit of a down-year in terms of outsourcing opposition at even strength (49.1 GF%, -5.8 relGF%). Despite this, Killorn was still an effective member of a dominant NHL team- particularly in the playoffs where he added 17 points (8g, 9a) in 19 games en route to winning the Cup.
Due to the impending cap crunch, it stands to reason that Tampa might be prepared to move on from one of their veteran forwards and Killorn (4.5mil x 2) seems to be a popular name in the rumor mill. One would hope a manager “helping” Tampa out of their cap crunch would be able to take some advantage and keep the cost down but Seattle would likely be able to push the price up somewhat.
Likely cost: Alex Stalock & a 2nd
Jason Zucker (scorer seeking second-opinion)
This 5’11, 192lbs LW had a bit of a down year with only 9 goals and 18 points in 38 games last season with 13 (8g, 5a) of those points coming at 5-on-5. Zucker’s struggles were exacerbated by the emergence of Jared McCann and the arrival of Kasperi Kapanen- which gave the Penguins more options to rely on for scoring.
As a result, Zucker ranked 8th among forwards in scoring but still managed to get into scoring positions with 61 individual scoring chances (ranked 5th). He also kept up his physical play with 65 hits which ranked him 4th among Penguin forwards.
I wrote glowingly about him 2 years ago before his trade to Pittsburgh and, while his play has dipped since going there, I remain convinced of the player. I get the impression that it’s simply a poor fit between Zucker and the Penguins. However, given his contract (5.5mil x 2), I wouldn’t be prepared to pony up very much for him and would need the Penguins to take on some cap in return.
Likely cost: Kassian (700k retained) & a 3rd
Tomas Tatar (rebound rental)
A 5’10, 173lbs LW coming off a bit of a disappointing conclusion to his time with the Montreal Canadiens. With 10 goals and 30 points in 50 games (7g, 14a at 5-on-5), it’s not like his scoring during the regular season was a problem, but his lack of playoff success continued a trend that has persisted with him throughout his career.
For a team pushing to do some damage in the playoffs, it’s fair to question whether Tatar is the best target for the Oilers. However, his consistently high level of 5-on-5 scoring would still bring something that the Oilers could use in order to ensure they reach the playoffs.
Given his playoff struggles and his prior relationship with Holland, Tatar may be just right as a UFA bandaid solution for the Oilers’ top-6. If he can be had on a short term deal at a reasonable cap hit (ala Barrie last year), he could buy the Oilers’ scoring prospects an extra year or two to develop and avoid any unreasonable commitments to UFAs this offseason.
Likely cost: 4mil x 1 or 2 years
These names are only a few on a long list of potentially available options from around the league. Other names the Oilers should consider include Jaden Schwartz, Nino Niederreiter, Mikael Granlund, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Max Domi to name a few. In my opinion, the acquisition of any of these players would be preferable to dishing out the kind of money that Zach Hyman seems to be commanding on the market.
What do you think? Are you okay with the Oilers adding Hyman for the rumored amounts? Let me know down in the comments!