[Signing] Oilers extend Ekholm (3 yrs, $4 mil AAV)

[Hot_Flatus]

He's the best defenceman on the team, but he's old AF and has a ton of mileage on him. If you don't expect him to be your top pairing anchor who plays more than 65 games during this extension, then it's fine.

Who else is doing the job though? Bouchard, Nurse, Walman certainly aren't number 1s and aren't going to be.

[SuperMatt18]

This is good value and helps offset some of the other overpays on their blueline.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

LOL he's pretty much washed up..

Oilers with their McDavid loan:

[blankall]

Originally Posted by McG

Isn’t he like 100 years old now? So this season plus 3? 104 at the end?

IR and retirement will be the most abused documentation in stinkville.

The Oilers need a defenceman who actually knows how to play defence. The other vets are Nurse and Kulak. Even if Ekholm body (and likely eye sight, hearing, memory, etc..) is fading, he actually knows the position, and is the only one of the team who does. They need him.

[dissentowner]

That's a terrible deal, I love it. Dude is an oft injured broken pylon.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

This is another example of why McDavid taking less isn't helping the team if they fill the roster with the same players.

I don't mind this contract, he can slide into a lessor role making less money and that depth could be great for them. But, at some point I think they need to add and add more than just a goalie.

I don't see huge growth in the next 3 years for any players other than Podkolzin, Savioe and Howard. But they have tons of players who could decline.

They will still be a threat, but at some point, McDavid and Draisaitl won't be able to carry the team like they have been and need real help. More than just role players.

In a year, McDavid will be looking at that empty garage spot, that should house a Ferrari, and wondering wtf he's done.