The Edmonton Oilers have lost a possible 4C option, as Tomas Nosek has found his new home.
I recently argued that the Edmonton Oilers should consider signing Tomas Nosek. However, that will now not happen, as he has signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.
Related: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker
Nosek would have been a nice option for the Oilers' fourth-line center position. He is not the flashiest of players, but his strong defensive game and excellent faceoff ability would have been nice for the Oilers to have. Yet, he will instead be heading to a hungry Devils team.
Nosek, 30, spent this past season with the Boston Bruins, posting seven goals, 18 points, and a plus-9 rating. He also had two assists in seven playoff games.
If the Oilers want to add another possible 4C option before the offseason is over, there are still some free agents available. Paul Stastny, Derek Stepan, Derek Grant, and Eric Staal are a few examples. Jonathan Toews is also still available, but the expectation is that he will be retiring.
Alas, we will need to wait and see if the Oilers bring in another center this summer.