Edmonton Oilers radio host Bob Stauffer, during the second intermission of Tuesday’s game between the Oilers and Ottawa Senators, said that Edmonton is eyeing another signing. Stauffer hinted that the team could be eyeing right-handed center — specifically, a 23- or 24-year-old to replace Sam O’Reilly.
Stauffer did not offer up any names, but the Oilers have looked toward college hockey and international free agents in the past couple of seasons because they lack draft picks. The assumption here is that this is what Stauffer was teasing with this predicted signing.
The Oilers were aware of what they were giving up when they traded O’Reilly to acquire Ike Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning. O’Reilly was a player they didn’t want to move on from and traded up to get in the draft prior to trading him. However, Edmonton knew that had to give to get Howard, who scored his first NHL goal on Tuesday evening.
The organization has been consistently looking for a right-hand center to develop and integrate into the team’s nucleus.
Stan Bowman Oilers manager
Edmonton has made a push in the last couple of seasons to target college players and international free agents. The team’s focus on NCAA talent remains a key priority as they seek solid pieces they might have otherwise acquired in the NHL Draft. Because they’ve traded draft picks at successive deadlines, the college route has become a resource for them.
The Oilers understand the urgency to find a reliable right-shot center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and handle middle-six responsibilities — a role the organization has historically struggled to fill. It will be intriguing to see if Stauffer follows up his tease with more detail in the coming days.
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