Cup Final UFA Radar

5 years ago

As you watch the highly entertaining back and forth play in this year’s Stanley Cup Final you are probably thinking one thing. How can the Oilers get some of these guys?

By my count, there are eight soon to be UFA’s that have played so far in the series. The majority of the players who will likely be available this summer are either defensemen or wingers, exactly what the Oilers are looking for.

I’m going to take a look at all eight players and give them each a pair of ratings. The first rating, out of ten, will be how badly the Oilers could use their services. The second rating, also out of ten, will be the likelihood of the Oilers actually signing them.

JOHN CARLSON:

Desirability Rating – (10/10)

John Carlson checks off all of the boxes for the Oilers. The right-shot d-man would take top pairing minutes on the blueline and quarterback the first unit power-play. He’s been playing almost 26 minutes a night in the post-season for the Caps and could be a 25-26 minute man for Todd McLellan next season. The perfect fit.

Likeliness Rating – (2/10)

If the Oilers had any sort of significant cap space this off-season they would likely push very hard for Carlson. With the situation they’re currently facing, they would have to make at least one significant move to free up the room. Don’t worry, they aren’t trading Nuge to sign Carlson.

JAMES NEAL

Desirability Rating – (8/10)

James Neal is a goal-scoring winger who has a little bit of an edge to his game and has been a top-six forward since he first stepped on NHL ice. He could play with either McDavid or Draisaitl and be a lock for 25 goals with an upside of 35 if he stays healthy.

Likeliness Rating – (4/10)

Remember when the Golden Knights were supposed to be in a position to trade Neal to the Oilers at the deadline? Ya, that didn’t work out like expected. I still think Neal would be a great fit for the Oilers but I see him just outside of their price range.

DAVID PERRON

Desirability Rating – (6/10)

There aren’t a lot of options for teams in search of help on the wing this summer. I think most people, myself included, like the idea of David Perron more than the player himself. The former Oiler is coming off a career-best 66 points but has only scored three goals in 55 career playoff games. He can’t score in the post-season because he can’t skate well enough to keep up.

Likeliness Rating – (4/10)

Perron picked the perfect time to have a career year. He will likely cash in on a deal this year that would be too rich for the Oilers; which I believe is actually a good thing.

ALEX CHIASSON

Desirability Rating – (6/10)

Alex Chiasson is just 27-years old, shoots right and is 6’4, 208 lbs. He has scored in double digits three times in his five-year career. The big fella is picking up some valuable playoff experience and may be able to help the Oilers bottom six.

Likeliness Rating – (7/10)

His contract could be the type of value deal the Oilers need to settle for this summer. The Capitals brought him in for the basically the exact same reason the Oilers would be.

JAY BEAGLE

Desirability Rating – (4/10)

Beagle is 32-years old and has spent his entire career with the Capitals. He kills penalties, takes big face-offs and actually contributed a bit offensively two seasons ago.

Likeliness Rating – (2/10)

I don’t see any reason for Beagle to leave Washington.

RYAN REAVES

Desirability Rating – (0/10)

The Oilers already have Zack Kassian who, when on his game, can be more effective than Reaves. Absolutely, zero reason to bring him in.

Likeliness Rating – (1/10)

I can’t possibly give anyone a 0/10 because you just never know with NHL General Managers. He was on the ice looking for a goal with less than a minute left in Game 2, so yes, crazy things do happen.

MICHAL KEMPNY

Desirability Rating – (3/10)

It’s no secret that the Oilers would like to add some depth on the blueline this summer. You’d have to expect very little offensive but he could be a steady third pairing guy when called upon.

Likeliness Rating – (3/10)

I do think the Oilers will target other bargain level blueliners prior to taking a look at Kempny. He probably wouldn’t cost much more than a million.

LUCA SBISA

Desirability Rating – (4/10)

He wears an ‘A’ for the Golden Knights and has 14 points in 30 games which isn’t bad for a guy not known for his offence. Sbisa would be a guy the Oilers would look to bring in only if someone else was moved.

Likeliness Rating – (2/10)

I don’t see him commanding the 3.6 million he has been making for the past three seasons but will still likely end up being too pricey for the Oilers.

IN SUMMARY:

If you add up the desirability and likeliness ratings of all the players you’d get the following order.

Alex Chiasson – Total Score: 13
John Carlson – Total Score: 12
James Neal – Total Score: 12
David Perron – Total Score: 10
Jay Beagle – Total Score: 6
Luca Sbisa – Total Score: 6
Michal Kempny – Total Score: 6
Ryan Reaves – Total Score: 1

So, basically what I’ve concluded is that the only soon-to-be free agent that’s playing in the Stanley Cup Final and could possibly be on the Oilers radar is Alex Chiasson. I’m sorry.