Oilers closing in on PTO with Kris Versteeg

According to TSN insider, Darren Dreger, the Oilers are closing in on a professional tryout for veteran right-winger Kris Versteeg.

Should the professional tryout be signed, the deal comes at a time that helps fill a true need for the Oilers. With a lack of right wing options, and right shot options, Versteeg has the ability to step in and have an impact on the Oilers.

Skating in 550 NHL games, Kris Versteeg has played with six different franchises and won the Stanley Cup twice, both with the Chicago Blackhawks at different times. Over his career, he has scored 131 goals and 313 points and offers plenty of experience for a young team like the Oilers.

Last season, Versteeg split time between the Carolina Hurricanes and the L.A. Kings, where the 30-year old registered 15 goals and 38 points in 77 games. At even-strength last year, Versteeg scored at a rate of 1.7 points per 60 and was a 58.6% Corsi player.

While it is up to him to make the Oilers roster, the addition of Versteeg would allow the team to roll three scoring lines, create further balance on the right side, and also give them some right-shot options on the power play. 

With Versteeg’s experience in the NHL, he would immediately become one of the Oilers most veteran players and it could be a welcome addition to the Oilers locker room.