An Early Look At 5 Free Agents The Edmonton Oilers Should Sign

Ondrej Palat

Another free agent with a lot of playoff games under his belt is Ondrej Palat. Palat is a two time Stanley Cup Champion, currently in the hunt for a 3rd. Palat currently plays in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s top 6.

Being in the top 6 with the Lightning is a good sign that he has the ability to play with skilled forwards. This is good because the Edmonton Oilers have two of the most skilled players in the world. Having more options of players to play in the Oilers top six would be a luxury.

Palat is also a clutch playoff performer. In 132 playoff games he has scored 11 game winning goals. In this time he has scored 45 goals total. This means that about 25% of his playoff goals are ones that will end up winning you the game.

Ondrej Palat will likely like to re-sign in Tampa Bay because the Lightning have a good track record recently of winning. If they win the Stanley Cup again this year, I don’t know why Palat would want to move on. If the team wins the Cup 3 years in a row, why would you leave?

The only way I think Palat moves on is if the Lightning don’t want to bring him back. If this is the case it is likely money related. If the Lightning can’t afford to keep him, I assume the Edmonton Oilers can’t afford to bring him in.

If the price is around $3-4 million on a shorter term deal I think the Edmonton Oilers should sign Palat. His experience in the playoffs would be worth it. I think for this Oilers team they need to fins more players that can succeed in the playoffs now and Palat is that type of player.