Oilers Rumors: Shattenkirk Interested In Joining Edmonton 'If There's A Spot For Him'

The Edmonton Oilers had a very busy offseason after a Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final. They are looking to go back and it appears as though a lot of positive moves were made in free agency and afterwards to give them the best chance.

The defense had some interesting changes with Cody Ceci being traded to the San Jose Sharks, Philip Broberg going over to the St. Louis Blues, and Ty Emberson and Josh Brown coming in. The right side of the Oilers' defense is noticeably weaker and a PTO or a short-term, low AAV contract could be the right move. There have been rumors Edmonton is looking to bring in another option and Kevin Shattenkirk's name is in the mix.

Elliotte Friedman said that "I've heard Shattenkirk would love to be part of that Oiler team if there's a spot for him." Whether he could fit in on the second pairing beside Darnell Nurse or on the third pairing beside Brett Kulak, he had a solid season in 2023-24 for the Boston Bruins and provides a better outlet on the back-end than Brown or even Troy Stecher.

The veteran Shattenkirk played 61 games last season, scoring six goals and 24 points while logging 15:47 of ice time per game. 11 of his points came on the power play where he can still be effective, but he also added 85 blocked shots and 63 hits.

Shattenkirk is a Stanley Cup champion, has been able to provide good offense throughout his career, and is defensively reliable in that he blocks shots and plays a physical game. He is more proven than Brown, Stecher, or even Emberson, and the Oilers should give the UFA a shot with at least a PTO as he can be an asset this season.