Matt Carle (Rhys Asplundh, Wikimedia Commons)
I think it is fair to say the Edmonton Oilers are running out of elite defencemen on the free agency market to sign.
Last night the Tampa Bay Lightning snagged one defenceman I thought the Oilers should have gone after in Matt Carle.
The Lightning signed Carle to a six year contract worth $33 million. Carle had a respectable season with the Philadelphia Flyers, recording 38 points in 82 games.
But thumbs up to Tambellini for not spending that type of money on Carle.
So who is left? Remember, at this stage of the game the Oilers would be better off with a stay at home defenceman that can play big minutes, rather than one who is very offensive skilled. That is what Justin Schultz will be used for.
The top five free agents available who could fit right into what the Oilers are looking for are Scott Hannan from Calgary, Carlo Colaiacovo from St. Louis, Michal Rozsival of Phoenix, Matt Gilroy from Ottawa and Pavel Kubina from Philadelphia.
The Oilers simply need to sign one more defenceman to get in contention for a playoff spot.
Tags: carlo colaiacovo, Edmonton Oilers, matt carle, matt gilroy, michal rozsival, pavel kubina, phildelphia flyers, scott hannan, tampa bay lightning
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