Who the Edmonton Oilers could sign on a PTO contract

In the case of the Edmonton Oilers, the team has many options going into September to retool and adjust their lineup. One scenario that has popped up is that the Oilers can bring in a player or two on a professional try-out (PTO). With this in mind, I came up with a scenario considering why the organisation could provide both Tyson Barrie and James van Riemsdyk an opportunity to shine for the team.

Tyson Barrie

Barrie is a talented defenceman who played for the Oilers before the Mattias Ekholm trade and may benefit from the seasoned veteran, while also being a replacement for Philip Broberg at a less expensive price. He could be an ideal addition who may work out when also factoring in Darnell Nurse, who has been under scrutiny because of his contract and performances.

Barrie could be the type of fundamental defenceman the Oilers may need to help Nurse overcome his hurdles, which have at times severely hurt him. The two were paired as a unit when Barrie previously played for the Oilers team and to be honest, I do believe both he and Nurse showed good chemistry together and could do again.

As per Dustin Nielson of TSN, the Oilers have reportedly already had conversations with Barrie about a potential PTO. His presence would be the right fit for the club and the X-Factor the blue line needs to compete, ideally with his speed and skill.

Barrie would be an ideal pickup for the Oilers franchise, if they give him another chance to play. In my opinion, he could help the defensive unit, especially the younger players. Also, having assistant coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey around could help improve his contributions on the team.

James van Riemsdyk

Van Riemsdyk would be an excellent fit for the third line on the Oilers roster because of his experience and stellar game-play, which he still possesses as a seasoned veteran. His presence with the team would be ideal, because he could use his physical ability to play the game and contribute with the likes of Corey Perry and Evander Kane in the lineup.

Van Riemsdyk played for the Boston Bruins last season on the third line, and his presence as a forward was felt as a player. His experience, not to mention contributions as a forward, were stellar as a veteran of 1,000+ games. He played 71 games during the regular season, recording 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 total points, with a plus/minus +7 rating.

In 11 games played during the playoffs this past season, van Riemsdyk recorded one goal and five assists, even though his minutes were short-lived. His physical ability is similar to that of Perry and Kane, and he could similarly make the opposing team goaltenders life a nightmare. At the same time, on the forecheck, he would provide the Oilers roster that added push to win.

The difference both players could make for the Oilers roster in general

Both players are seasoned veterans who know how to defend for the cause, with somewhat ideal speed and skill in their respective games. It would be an advantage for the Oilers to look into getting both of these players on a PTO, and they could utilise them during the season and maybe even use them as trade chips approaching the deadline.

An important aspect to look at is the impact both players would have in the locker room with their leadership, providing the younger players with the vision and inspiration they will need to play the game accordingly. Kris Knoblauch would be the ideal coach to work with both NHL'ers, and it would be good to see them both given an opportunity with the team in general.

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