2. Jan Rutta (RHD) San Jose Sharks
Rutta comes in at a higher dollar figure and would be more difficult to fit in under the ceiling. However, this man has some very respectable numbers including in the playoffs with Tampa Bay where he's won two Stanley Cups, something only one current Oiler has done in their career.
This player is very much a better, more reliable and less expensive version of what Cody Ceci was. It isn't an upgrade of massive proportions, but it would nonethless be an upgrade. San Jose will be taking calls on him this year at the deadline and I fully expect Edmonton to be one of the teams who comes calling.
3. Timothy Liljegren (RHD) Toronto Maple Leafs
This player makes the most sense, almost too much sense, in every way except for financially. At $3 million per year for the next two seasons, this contract would be very difficult to fit into their cap structure. Definitely not impossible, and certainly not at the deadline when they have even more space. However, waiting may not be feasible if they have identified this man as a potential solution.
Liljegrens numbers are great, and yet he's fallen out of favour, reportedly, with new bench boss Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving. So much so, it's become apparent he is on the trade block. Here are some numbers for you to digest.
Two seasons ago in 1,024 minutes of time on ice, he produced six goals and 12 assists for 18 points, but his play driving was exceptional. He was +24, had a 53.00 dangerous fenwick for percentage, and 62.20 goals for percentage. These numbers are execellent anyway you slice it. His knock is that he lacks speed and purpose at times which is something that doesn't necessarily jive well with what the Oilers are currently lacking, but those numbers man, are something they are also sorely in need of. He regressed slightly last season in less time on ice, although he did deal with injury and the numbers were still exceptional.
The Dallas Stars are also in need of a right-handed defenceman and know that the Oilers -- who knocked them out in the conference finals last season -- are going to be bidders, and the Stars have considerably more assets to outbid them with. Therefore, the time may be nigh for Edmonton to make a move.