One pending free agent the Oilers can steal from their Pacific Division rivals

William Lagesson, Defenseman/Anaheim Ducks

Unless he re-signs and gets an extension with the Anaheim Ducks, William Lagesson will be available, and he would actually be making a return trip to Edmonton like a lot of unrestricted free agents on this list. Lagesson, if you remember, spent time with the Oilers until they traded him to the Montreal Canadiens in a deal that included bringing in Brett Kulak. 

He has never played a full season in the NHL, with his career-high in games coming this season with 37 contests as of April 4th, 2024. Although he will never factor in as a full-time NHLer, he’s spent enough time in the big league to be either a top call-up from the AHL or a seventh man for the blue line.

With 68 hits this season, he also plays with an edge, and he’s not afraid to block incoming pucks, having gotten in front of 55 in those 37 contests. While he won’t provide an incredible amount of value, something that would also make Lagesson worth considering is that he would know the situation and his role with the organization. 

Players like Lagesson won’t sign expensive or long-term deals, and they are even players you can “set and forget.” But when you need them, you’re glad they can use their experience in the NHL to their advantage.