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Edmonton Oilers could have a steal with a recently signed blueliner

The Edmonton Oilers made a recent under-the-radar signing, even if that signing is currently nothing more than a PTO.

By Todd Matthews

Mar 1, 2021; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Josh Archibald (15) and Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen Travis Dermott (23) battle for position during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2021; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Josh Archibald (15) and Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen Travis Dermott (23) battle for position during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images / Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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If there was one player I was surprised to have seen last for so long in free agency, it was blueliner Travis Dermott, and the Edmonton Oilers made a smart move when they inked him to a PTO. Some may look at this signing and shrug their shoulders, but I digress, especially after the serviceable performance he put up last season for a bad hockey team. 

This isn’t saying that Dermott will be a game-changer or anything of the sort. But if he gets something in the realm of 50-60 games, assuming he ultimately receives a contract out of this, he gives Edmonton an outstanding insurance policy. 

While Dermott was no scorer in Arizona, he managed to get in front of 64 would-be shots in just 50 games. Take that number and adjust it to 82 contests, and he was on pace to land between 102 and 103 last season. 

The Coyotes struggled following a surprising start, yet Dermott did his part, securing an on-ice save percentage of 90.4 at even strength. And although he was on the ice for 37 goals against, putting him on pace for between 60 and 61 at even strength, Dermott’s final numbers in that category were more respectable when he was part of better hockey teams. 

Edmonton Oilers could have unearthed a steal in Travis Dermott

If you didn’t know, Travis Dermott started his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his performance at even strength was better when you look at the advanced metrics. Through 37 games in 2017-18, Dermott’s Corsi For Percentage sat at 55.0 with just 13 on-ice goals allowed and a 95.2 on-ice save percentage. 

The following season, through 64 contests, his Corsi For dipped slightly to 54.9, and he finished with 49 on-ice goals allowed. His on-ice save percentage fell to 90.3, but it rebounded to 92.3 the following season. 

The Corsi For Percentage dipped to 49.8, but through 56 contests, he was only on the ice, again at even strength, for just 34 goals. What I’m saying is there’s clear-cut evidence that Dermott, when on the ice for anywhere between 50 and 65 games, has more than been a serviceable player throughout his career when you take a long look at his numbers. 

We would ideally see the Oilers get off to a hot start in 2024-25, but even if they stagnated some, they’re still a great hockey team. Dermott excels with such organizations, so if he manages to stick around, the Oilers made a very, very good move by giving him a chance.

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