3 Former Oilers Who Are Still Free Agents

Caleb Kerney

Jul 5, 2024, 11:31

Caleb Kerney

Jul 5, 2024, 11:31

Several former Edmonton Oilers players have not found a new team to play for since free agency opened.

EDMONTON -- Sometimes moving on is the best thing.

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For the Edmonton Oilers, they have had to move on from several players over the years. Sometimes it was the player wanting a fresh start. Other times the team needed different dynamics in their lineup. Other times, they just needed to free up money and they were the odd ones out.

After a busy opening of free agency several former Oilers found themselves with new organizations. Cam Talbot, Jack Campbell, William Lagesson and Vincent Desharnais all found themselves with a new team.

However, there are former Oilers who are still looking for a new contract. Here are three of them:

Kailer Yamamoto

Kailer Yamamoto was famously traded alongside Klim Kostin to the Detroit Red Wings last offseason. Shortly after the trade Kostin was signed and Yamamoto was bought out. Then he found a home with the Seattle Kraken and signed a one-year deal.

Yamamoto was not extended by the Kraken, so he is a free agent. He had 16 points in 59 games last season. Over the season he averaged 11:59 of ice time. He will need to play more minutes in order to be effective. He could be a sneaky addition for the Anaheim Ducks or San Jose Sharks.

Justin Schultz

Justin Schultz is another former Oilers player finding themselves on the outside looking in. He played alongside Yamamoto and the Kraken last season. He collected 26 points in 70 games while skating 16:28 per game. He's coming off of a two-year $3-million contract.

The 33-year old right handed defender is not the same offensive threat he once was. The 13-year NHL veteran has enjoyed a long career, despite not reaching the heights many thought he would.

A playoff team could likely add him on an inexpensive deal to round out their defense corps. A one-year $1-million deal just might do the trick. A team like the Dallas Stars or Ottawa Senators might be interested.

Tyson Barrie

Tyson Barrie is a dominant power play specialist. The only issue with Barrie is that he has become a slightly one-dimensional player.

He only played 41 games this past season, due to being a healthy scratch for long stretches. Despite the limited play he still managed to record 15 points. He also averaged the lowest ice time of his entire career. Barrie only skated 18:19 per game in 2023-24.

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Barrie is coming off of a three-year deal that paid him $4.5-million per season. The 32-year old will certainly sign for much less than that, should he be offered an NHL contract before training camp begins. He could be a PTO candidate for the upcoming season.

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