Career Opportunities

Steve Tambellini did an excellent job on July 1st going up and down the aisles and crossing items off his shopping list. There are still a couple of items remaining: a legit top 4 defender (may not be coming) and a goaltender who can provide competition at the top end and insurance at the bottom end. The names are running out.

It’s my opinion that the Oilers can make a claim that the blueline has been covered off well enough to enter training camp. The opening night depth chart might look like this:

Jeff Petry being the first callup. I think that’s how the Oilers are slotting things, but will say that Jeff Petry has an enormous opportunity in the fall and I expect he’ll make the team.

Defensively, there are still some good options. Scott Hannan remains unsigned, Chris Campoli, Bryan McCabe and a few others who might be useful. I have no idea if the Oilers have interest in any of them, but would suggest that a guy like Hannan would improve the depth chart of the 11-12 Oilers.

Well, yes there are. Their pricetag may be too dear, but Marty Turco, Pascal Leclaire and others are still available. I doubt the Oilers would sign an expensive option for the AHL#1-NHL #3 option, but someone like Mike Brodeur (in photo) might fit the bill.

I remain convinced the Oilers will not leave the terminal with the current goaltending. Brodeur is an AHL veteran, not the best goaltender available but this is late summer. Nolan Schaeffer and John Grahame are also available. Grahame is 35 but comes off an AHL season in which his SP (.911) and his playoff SP (.918) imply there’s something left.

John Grahame might be a useful player for the 11-12 OKC Barons, and he could come in handy to the 11-12 Edmonton Oilers. We wait.