Oilers go after familiar face for boost on the blue line despite first rejected offer!

It has been a rough start to the 2024-25 season to say the least for the Edmonton Oilers, though they did managed to get in the win column on Tuesday night, getting a 4-3 overtime win over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. While many have blamed the heavy contracts up front that should be producing more, the back end has always been an issue in Edmonton and it sounds like some unrestricted free agents could come as a solution for the Oilers. Defensemen Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available and Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal believes the latter could become a top target for general manager Stan Bowman.

While insider Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the Oilers had been linked to Giordano and Shattenkirk, Leavins claims Schultz could be the better fit as he began his career in Edmonton in 2012-13 before moving on to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken.

The thing is Schultz was already approached in the offseason by the Oilers, who offered the 34-year-old defenseman a professional tryout contract (PTO) to attend training camp in Edmonton and have a chance to crack the roster to continue his NHL career. However, Schultz reportedly turned down the offer, wanting an NHL contract over the PTO and simply decided to remain a free agent, hoping for a better offer.

Here is what Leavins wrote in the Journal about Schultz, and why he would prefer to see the former Oiler returned to Edmonton then seeing the team go after a guy like Shattenkirk:

“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.”

A new offer hasn’t come… yet. Though Schultz could end up playing in Europe this season if he doesn’t get a suitable offer.
Last season with the Kraken, Schultz put up seven goals and 26 points in 70 games, but also recorded a -23 rating. He is however a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins back in 2016 and 2017 and could bring his leadership, experience with his desire for another shot at the championship to a dressing room that needs a shakeup.