Insiders Link Edmonton Oilers to 2 UFA D-Men

After their blueline disaster in Game #1 of the season, the Edmonton Oilers are quickly looking at ways to address their defence before things get out of hand like they did during last year's dreadful start to the season.

They're being linked to two still-unsigned unrestricted free agents on the market, according to insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, in Kevin Shattenkirk and Mark Giordano.

It’s been somewhat surprising Shattenkirk hasn’t found the right fit after serving as a dependable option for the Bruins last season...
His camp, led by agent Jordan Neumann, remains in constant communication with several teams, having in-depth conversations about his client’s potential fit. It’s believed the Edmonton Oilers are among the teams that have talked to them.

As they note, it's somewhat surprising that Shattenkirk hasn't found a job yet. The 35-year-old former first-rounder was serviceable enough for the Boston Bruins last year, playing 61 games while averaging nearly 16 minutes per night. He averages about 1.35 blocked shots per game and is a strong locker room presence.

Shattenkirk has a Stanley Cup ring from his time with the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning.

As for Giordano, we revealed on Thursday that the Oilers were one of four teams that he's been eyeing to continue his career at the age of 41, still in search of that elusive chance at a Cup. As confirmed by LeBrun and Johnston, "it's a priority for him to try to land a depth job with one of the teams in contender mode".

Giordano, a former Norris Trophy winner, spent the past two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was phased out of their d-corps as the playoffs arrived and never appeared to be in their plans moving into this season.