Because it’s been a busy week, I’ll keep this quick for now but will most likely update it later. The Edmonton Oilers have signed right shot defenseman Jason Demers, 34, to a PTO, according to Oilers writer Daniel Nugent Bowman.
Demers spent last season in the KHL, but before that he was with the Coyotes, where he played more minutes as a lockdown defenceman. Demers is a tougher, more physical player who transfers the puck well; at least, he did when he was younger.
Demers is an intriguing possibility for the Oilers as a third pairing defender to play a more defensive style alongside the inexperienced Philip Broberg. If Demers can demonstrate that he can still play that kind of game, he will be a lot better fit and fill a greater need for the squad than Tyson Barrie.
With Demers and Ryan Murray in the mix, the Oilers have added some strength and physicality to go along with Nurse and Bouchard, who are more offensively inclined. Demers will be a player to watch in camp.
There have also been suggestions that the Oilers have considered Brett Ritchie as a PTO possibility, although this has yet to be substantiated.