The Edmonton Oilers recently signed defenceman Travis Dermott, but they might not be finished strengthening their blue line. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, the team is in talks with veteran defencemen Mark Giordano and Kevin Shattenkirk for a potential late-season addition.
Mark Giordano, who at 41 was the NHL’s oldest player last season, is well-known to Oilers fans from his 15 seasons with the Calgary Flames, many of which he spent as captain. A former Norris Trophy winner, Giordano remains an effective two-way player despite his age, posting a +27 rating in 78 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. The Oilers had previously been linked to him on a tryout.
Kevin Shattenkirk, 35, played a solid role as a depth defender for the Boston Bruins last season. With nearly 1,000 career games under his belt, including a Stanley Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019-20, Shattenkirk is known for his passing and power-play skills. The Oilers were also rumored to be interested in him on a preseason tryout contract.
While Johnston specifically ties Edmonton’s interest to Shattenkirk, he notes that Giordano is also attracting attention from teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers. Shattenkirk seems the more likely option for the Oilers, but Giordano’s desire to join a contender could make Edmonton appealing.
Despite having several defensive options already, the Oilers may feel the need to address their defensive issues after early-season struggles, including waivering Josh Brown and shaky performances from Dermott and Ty Emberson in their season opener. With time on their side, Edmonton is exploring all avenues to improve the team.
