Travis Dermott actually makes a lot of sense for the Oilers

After the way the Oilers attacked the beginning of free agency, the overriding belief was that the roster had been improved. This was quite some statement, given the team was coming off falling just short of winning a first Stanley Cup since 1990.

However, with the combination of new additions and re-signings at team-friendly deals, this assessment seemed correct. Then all hell broke loose, as the Blues tendered their double offer sheet for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.

When it was all said and done, the Oilers no longer had Broberg, Holloway, or Cody Ceci, albeit all ultimately of their own doing. As a result, the assertion that the overall roster was better than last season, was no longer as clear cut.

Blue line the main concern

Yes this is still a team that has cup contender written all over it, but it isn't without some weaknesses. Chief among these is the overall strength of the blue line, now without the high upside of Broberg and the reliability of Ceci.

As things stand, the Oilers' top pairing remains unchanged with Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. Now though, projections have recent addition Ty Emberson playing alongside Darnell Nurse, and a bottom pairing of Brett Kulak and Troy Stecher.

Throw in Josh Brown as the seventh defenceman, and the Oilers would ideally like to upgrade the position. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Suffice it to say, but the Oilers have been linked with a plethora of potential solutions. Interestingly this included several players who were previously with the organisation, such as Jason Schultz, Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie.

Now Schultz is still available as a free agent, but Larsson is reportedly set to agree a new deal with the Kraken, while Barrie has signed a PTO with the Flames. Regardless, the Oilers are continuing to assess their options.

A sensible solution for the Oilers

In this respect, Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal has suggested someone, who actually makes a lot of sense for several reasons. More specifically, Travis Dermott.

As with the players mentioned above, Dermott has connections in Edmonton. However, these connections are with individuals as opposed to the organisation as a whole.

First up, the 27-year-old used to be coached by Kris Knoblauch, when he played for the Erie Otters in the OHL. By extension, he played on the same team as Connor McDavid and Connor Brown in 2013-14 (and with McDavid in 2014-15), so those previous relationships could all be positive factors.

Arguably just as significant, Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson used to be Dermott's agent. Again, their previous relationship could play a positive role when it comes to negotiating any potential deal.

A very reasonable price

On the subject of deals, the Oilers could sign Dermott to a one-year deal, or initially offer a PTO. For some context the Oilers' salary cap space for next season is $945,833 at the time of writing, while AFP Analytics have him projected to make just over $836,651.

To be clear, the 2015 second round draft pick is not renowned for his offensive threat, with just 62 points in 329 career NHL games. However, this isn't exactly an issue on a dangerous attacking team such as the Oilers.

In any event, Dermott is a solid defenceman who makes few mistakes in his own zone and is mobile. And for anyone pointing out the Oilers need a right-shot D-man, he can comfortably play both sides despite being left-handed.

Overall, at the very least we believe the former Toronto Maple Leaf deserves a PTO. Along these lines, as per Leavins, the Oilers have a split-squad game with the Flames on Sept. 23 and will need 12 defencemen, thus opening the door for Dermott.

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