I think the Oilers could do worse than Wideman actually. He does plug a need for them, as they do need a guy on the point with a big shot. Wideman is almost notorious now for his inconsistency and need to have confidence. That is two really down years in a row now, so who knows? He may really be done.
I think his chances of getting 2.5 million are pretty low - I think getting a bona fide contract offer from any team is probably pretty low this off-season. Still, I would bet he signs a PTO somewhere that is desperate for an offensive defencemen with the ability to shoot the puck, and he does provide leadership as well.
He still can be an asset on the right team with the right hole, but it assumes that the refs are impartial, and that he manages to gain a bit of confidence. I think it is a coin flip at this point in time to see him in the NHL next season, and having this year as an expansion year is what (in my mind) makes those odds that large.
He should get a PTO somewhere. What happens next is the really big question.
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