3 defensemen Oilers should consider signing with Sekera on the shelf
The Edmonton Oilers received some crushing news on Tuesday.
The team learned that defensemen Andrej Sekera will be out the next six-to-nine months due to a torn ACL suffered in the team's second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.
Related: Oilers' Sekera out 6-9 months with torn ACL
At the short end, Sekera might be out until November, meaning he would miss the first month of the 2017-18 campaign. However, the veteran missing nine months means he would be out until at least February.
With that unpredictable timeline, it might make sense for the Oilers to dip into free agency this summer to try to find someone who can help ease the blow of a Sekera-less blue line.
Before we dive into three potential candidates, it should be noted that players likely seeking long-term deals will not be considered. Sekera still has three years left on his contract after next season, and at a $5.5-million annual cap hit, so his return could cause some issues.
The team would ideally nab someone on a short-term deal to fill the void almost solely for the duration of Sekera's injury.
Ron Hainsey
Ron Hainsey has been a welcome addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins since coming over from the Carolina Hurricanes, mostly because he has been one of the few blue-liners to actually remain healthy.
He's played in all 14 of the Penguins' postseason contests this year, and is averaging the second-most ice time on the team. He's not an incredibly offensive defenseman, but he can still chip in once in a while.
He would be a nice replacement for Sekera, as he can help fill the void left on the Oilers' penalty kill. He averaged 3:01 of shorthanded ice time per game between both the Penguins and the Hurricanes, good enough for a share of 10th league-wide. He also has good speed and is a solid puck-mover.
At 36 years of age he won't receive a long-term deal, which is ideal for the Oilers, but he can still be very serviceable.
Brian Campbell
It's a role that Brian Campbell has become quite accustomed to over the years. Serving as insurance behind a steady defensive corps, as he did with the Chicago Blackhawks.
While Campbell is certainly in his final years in the league, he remains a very mobile option. He can play in all situations, still has speed, and can contribute offensively when needed.
Meanwhile, on a team that is still quite young, he'd serve as a great veteran presence and help to iron out some wrinkles with the team's young defenders.
He might be better served to play on the third pairing, but he would still be a solid option for the club.
Trevor Daley
Trevor Daley appears to be more of a hybrid of the two names mentioned above.
He averaged the fifth-most ice time on the Penguins this season, but the third-most while shorthanded. He contributed on the power play, and despite being limited to just 56 games during the regular season, he still managed a respectable 19 points.
Like Sekera, Daley is a solid left-hander who can provide a veteran presence on the back end. And with a Stanley Cup to his name (won last year with the Penguins), he has more than just on-ice value.
He's 33 years old and is not likely to attract much term or a higher dollar figure - two important conditions for the Oilers.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)