PTO AND TC INVITES

There are so many interesting players still available this summer–NHL free agents, 20 year old graduating juniors without contracts–the mind actually boggles. Will the Oilers be active in these areas? MacT’s aggressive summer of 2013 should continue through these weeks in August, and the final TC invite list may offer some surprises.

Back on July 3 I made a list of 15 for the Oilers, and there are a couple of names remaining. However, it’s very doubtful Edmonton would add a defenseman at this point, and goaltending appears to have been addressed in Edmonton and Oklahoma City.  So, it’s the forwards–and there are a lot of them still out there.

David Steckel has to be considered a player of interest for the Oilers based on his penalty killing ability and the fact that he’s money in the facceoff circle. My original list had Peter Mueller as an option, and he’s still available. Would he come to TC on an invite? At this point in summer these free agents have to be getting a little concerned, so perhaps another week or so and that option will be available. Kaspars Daugavins is an interesting option on the wing, he’s a 2-way type who can agitate and his some nice minor league numbers.

There are two exceptional talents currently available as free agents, and both would benefit the Oilers. I’ve rambled on all summer about Mikhail Grabovski–then again pretty much all of the Oilogosphere is united behind that idea. Another player of note in the high end district is Vinny Prospal who could add a lot to the forward group despite being 38 years old. He might light it up with Hemsky.

There are a lot of 20 year old graduating juniors who are now free agents, I’d suggest Cameron Brace is a player worth looking at, Brock Otten at OHL Prospects agrees.

The Oilers have some holes in their roster that could be filled by inexpensive free agents, and some 20-year old junior graduates still looking for work. With the 50-man roster close to full, there’s not a lot of wiggle room. However, if there’s something worthwhile allowances can be made, and with the exceptional number of unemployed hockey players available this late in August, opportunities exist.

Hold on to your dresses, ladies, bold is still possible.