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

Dakota Joshua, Forward/Vancouver Canucks

So far, we have primarily mentioned sensible, cost-effective names as good fits for the Oilers. While Dakota Joshua will get a pay increase following what has been more than just a solid campaign, he may still be affordable for the Oilers to try and sign in the offseason. 

The only issue is that it would be a stretch for the Canucks not to re-sign someone who has given the organization a complete game, regardless of the situation. Joshua has just 28 points, but his 15 goals imply he’s a good depth scorer in British Columbia, and he also routinely sets the tone with the 220-plus body checks he’s landed for two seasons running. 

Joshua’s 52.0 Corsi For at 5-on-5 shows us he will make plays in the offensive zone, and he will also help finish those plays, with 31 on-ice goals for. Over 55 percent of his starts occur in the defensive zone, so to have a respectable Corsi For when he’s often behind the eight-ball offensively is a testament to the way he maximizes his chances. 

Being able to log middle-six minutes and with Warren Foegele slated to hit unrestricted free agency, Dakota Joshua could make for an excellent successor to the Oilers own breakout forward.