NHL Insider links Edmonton Oilers to familiar face even after rejected contract offer this off-season

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Tom Banks
October 17, 2024 (9:17)

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The Edmonton Oilers clearly need help on their blue line, and after having a contract rejected this past summer, they may turn to a familiar face in Justin Schultz.

After going winless in the first three games of their homestand to start the regular season, the Edmonton Oilers picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, and it could be the boost that this team needs to finally start building some momentum. If they are to finally take that next step and end a 34 year Stanley Cup drought however, they'll need to make some additions to the team, especially on a weak blue line that features a combination of Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher and Darnell Nurse on their second pairing.

While reports persist that the team are interested in the likes of Mark Giordano and Kevin Shattenkirk, Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal has revealed that Justin Schultz may end up being the best choice for the team.

«As long as the present Oilers blueline struggles even the tiniest bit, there will be talk about who else they could bring in. The name Kevin Shattenkirk resurfaced again this past week. I wrote about Shattenkirk two weeks ago, as well as former Oiler Justin Schultz who was offered a PTO in Edmonton but was looking for a contract (and still is). I am cautious of Shattenkirk. He has had a good NHL career but does not skate well anymore, never was a terrific defender and saw primarily sheltered minutes in Boston last year. I am more inclined to consider Schultz.»

Schultz is a familiar name to Oilers fans, as he spent the first four years of his career in Edmonton between 2012 and 2016, and after playing 143 games for the Seattle Kraken in the last two years, he clearly still has plenty of gas left in the tank.The intriguing situation here is that Schultz was offered a PTO by Edmonton in the summer, but ultimately declined due to wanting a guaranteed contract rather than the tryout route.

Now with the defense clearly struggling, they need to consider making a move again, and if Leavins' report is anything to go by, Schultz may end up being a new addition to this team at some point this season.